Family Therapy for Parent-Child Contact Problems

Overview

After separation and divorce, family members need to find a new way forward. In some families, where there is ongoing stress or conflict, children may resist having contact with one parent. There are many factors that contribute to parent-child contact problems and these problems vary in intensity.

At NavOn, our family therapists are experienced and have specialized training. Our service strives to help families with mild to moderate parent-child contact problems. Parents seeking this service agree that it is in their child(ren)’s best interests to have meaningful relationships with both parents.

Family therapy for parent-child contact problems usually requires at least 6 to 9 months of regular weekly appointments. Two therapists (one for the children and one for the parents) work together to provide education and therapy to rebuild relationships and work toward better adjustment for all family members. Family therapy includes meetings between the therapists and each of the parents and the child(ren) individually and jointly. Often interviews and meetings with other family members are needed to support the family in achieving their goals.

What is the process?

Parents can refer their family for therapy but sometimes family therapy is recommended through Court. Both parents must agree to the referral. For families in Court, a meeting with all of the involved lawyers at the same time is often needed to better understand how NavOn can be most helpful to assist the family to move forward.

What is the cost?

NavOn uses a retainer model for separation and divorce services. This means that a payment is made in advance and as the work is done, the money in the retainer is used. If there is money left in the retainer at the end of service, this is returned.

For families in Court, often an initial meeting with the lawyers would be helpful to better understand the expectations of the judge. NavOn does not charge a fee for this initial meeting.

Family Therapy for Parent-Child Contact Problems requires a Clinical Intake Consultation (CIC) before service begins to ensure a good fit. The cost of a CIC is $225 per hour and usually takes about five to ten hours with time spent with each family member. A retainer will be required for the CIC and will need to be provided prior to the start of service. If after the consultation, NavOn services are not going to meet the needs or expectations of the family then recommendations will be made to help the family move forward or we will suggest alternative services in the community. If the CIC leads to Family Therapy at NavOn, then a new retainer will be requested and will need to be provided prior to the start of Family Therapy.

It is difficult to know how much family therapy will cost because every family situation is different. Our fees are $225 per hour and the costs are often shared between the parents. For Family Therapy for Parent-Child Contact Problems, a non-refundable administration fee of $200 is required at the time of referral to begin coordinating services for the family. We require a retainer of about $9000 and this will usually allow for about 3-6 months of service.

NavOn accepts payment by e-transfer, cheque, or credit card (2.4% surcharge applies for credit card payments). A monthly accounting of the status of the retainer will be provided.

Mental health providers are not paid by the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP). However, because we are psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers, the costs for these services can sometimes be offset.

• If you are employed, you may have coverage as part of your benefits. Even if you do not have benefits at your place of work, you can purchase extended health coverage through several insurance companies.
• If you are a veteran or a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, you may have coverage.
• Depending on your situation you may also be eligible for financial support through the Victim Quick Response Program, Jordan’s Principle, or the Non-insured Health Benefits Program.

We will work with the family to provide documentation needed for insurance companies or other financial support services.