This might be for you if you notice
- Small disagreements at home turn into big ones quickly
- A child or teen is struggling and the whole household feels it
- A divorce, remarriage, move or loss has changed how the family works
- Parents disagree about rules and consequences
- Family members have stopped talking, or only talk in arguments
- You want more calm and connection at home
What family therapy is and when it can help
Family therapy is a kind of talk therapy that includes more than one member of the family. It focuses on helping the family function in more positive and constructive ways, instead of treating one person as the problem.
Conflict is a part of family life. Illness, job loss, school problems and strain between partners can all add to it. Listening to each other and working to resolve conflicts are important in strengthening a family, and family therapy gives you a steady place to practice both.
Reaching out does not mean your family is failing. It means you care about how things feel at home and want them to feel better.
How family therapy works
A family therapist looks at how family members affect one another: who speaks, who goes quiet, where the same loop repeats. Small shifts in those patterns can change how the whole household feels.
Members of our team use family systems approaches, and one of our therapists practices Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT), which pays close attention to family structure, roles and the support around a family. Not every therapist uses every approach. Yours will explain how they work.
Sessions can include a child or teen along with parents, siblings and grandparents. Who attends can change from week to week, depending on what you are working on. Common goals include:
- Talking so that each person feels heard, including the quietest one
- Agreeing on rules and routines that parents can both stand behind
- Adjusting to a big change such as a separation, a blended family or a loss
- Supporting a family member who is living with anxiety, depression or another challenge
What online family sessions look like
All of our sessions are secure video sessions. There is no office to visit. That saves travel time, which helps when you are coordinating school, work and activities for several people.
Many families gather around one laptop or tablet in a private room. Everyone taking part must be physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during the session. If relatives would join from another household, ask us when you book.
Video has limits too. A weak connection can interrupt a session, and it can feel less private if others nearby can overhear. A room with a door and a quick sound check go a long way.
Getting started
- Book a free consultationPick a time at book online or call 267-573-9817. In the free 15-minute consultation, one adult can explain what is going on and ask questions.
- Get matchedWe match your family with a therapist who works with families and is licensed in your state. Meet our clinicians on the team page.
- Check your coverageCoverage depends on your plan and your state. See insurance and fees or ask us to verify benefits. Self-pay is available.
- Meet by videoEarly sessions are for getting to know your family and agreeing on goals. Evening and weekend appointments are available with some therapists.
When one family member needs their own support
Sometimes family sessions show that one person would also benefit from a space of their own. We offer therapy for teens, therapy for children and couples counseling, and these can work alongside family therapy.
If anyone in your family is in crisis or at risk of harm, call or text 988 or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.
Families change and grow all the time. Many find that a few new habits, practiced together, bring more ease and warmth into ordinary days. We would be glad to help you start.
Therapists for family therapy
These therapists describe related experience in their own profiles. We will help you find the best fit and confirm who is licensed in your state.
Questions people ask
How does online family therapy work?
Your family meets with a licensed therapist by secure video, often gathered around one device in a private room at home. The therapist guides the conversation so each person has a turn, points out patterns and suggests things to try between sessions. You need a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.
Does insurance cover family therapy?
It depends on your plan and the state you live in. We are in-network with several major insurers and with Medicare, and self-pay is available. We do not accept Medicaid. Ask us to verify your benefits before the first session so you know what your plan covers.
Who needs to attend family therapy sessions?
It varies. Sessions can include a child or teen with parents, siblings and grandparents, or just the adults. Your therapist will suggest who should join based on your goals, and the group can change from one session to the next. You do not need every family member on board to begin.
What if a family member refuses to take part?
Start with whoever is willing. When some members of a family change how they listen and respond, the tone at home often shifts for everyone. Your therapist can also help you think about how to invite a reluctant family member in a way that feels low-pressure and respectful.
Is what we say in family therapy confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential, with legal exceptions: a risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else, and suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult. Your therapist will explain at the start how privacy works when several family members share a session, including for children and teens.
Is family therapy only for families with children?
No. Families of adults come to therapy too, for example adult siblings, or parents and grown children who want a better relationship. What matters is that the people involved want things to improve and are located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during sessions.
Sources
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents: Different Types
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Treating Children's Mental Health with Therapy
- MedlinePlus: Family Issues
- American Counseling Association: Couples, Marriage, & Family
- National Institute of Mental Health: Getting Mental Health Support Virtually
Published by Locascio Wellness. Last updated October 9, 2026. Clinically reviewed by Anthony Locascio, PsyD, LPC. This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.