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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists provide family therapy in Grand Rapids, MI

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

All Grand Rapids Charter Township services

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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4,988 people sought family therapy help in Michigan in the last year

Discover how starting family therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +10 more

As a woman who grew up in an adoptive family, I understand the unique issues of trauma, belonging, and navigating the unpredictable changes in life.

38 more therapist available in Michigan

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Starting Family therapy

What is family therapy?

Family therapy helps families resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. It is led by qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who have extensive training in family dynamics and group communication.

How does family therapy work?

Thriveworks family therapists in Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI usually begin by asking what everyone’s goals are for family counseling. Family members may need help with very specific issues or with general relationship functioning. But there are three main purposes in family counseling: to educate, to counsel, and to strengthen. Thriveworks also offers online family therapy and in-person services, so you may all meet in an office together or join a video call from your home depending on everyone’s location and availability.

What is the most effective family therapy?

The most effective form of Family therapy will often depend on the family itself, as there are many types of family therapy for therapists to use as they see fit in order to best meet the needs of their clients. However, one of the most commonly used types of family therapy is structural family therapy (SFT). SFT focuses specifically on family dynamics and interactions, looking at how they shape the relationships and structure present in the family. It can be effectively used to treat a variety of concerns.

How do I know if my family needs therapy?

This answer often looks different to each family that starts family therapy. However, some signs that your family might need to consider family counseling include frequent fights or misunderstandings, constant tension, experiencing loss, behavioral issues, marital issues, divorce, and blended family issues, among others.

What is included in family therapy?

In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.

What is the success rate of family therapy?

Family therapy can be incredibly successful, with some studies reporting a success rate of almost 90% for improving participants’ emotional and mental health, and around 66% for improving their physical health.

Is family therapy conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks therapists in Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI offer both online family therapy and in-person family therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does family therapy last?

Family therapy is usually short term and solution-focused, with most families accomplishing their goals in 12 sessions or fewer. However, it can also last for longer if the probles at hand are more complex — and that’s okay, too.

Need more help deciding?

Amy is twelve years old. Amy’s mother remarried several months ago, giving Amy both a stepfather and a stepsister. Though during courtship the group got along well, living together full time altered the dynamic. Amy, accustomed to having her mother to herself much of the time, began to act out in order to get attention. Amy and her stepsister, previously content as weekend playmates, began bickering more than usual. And neither parent was sure exactly how to discipline their stepchild without crossing boundaries.

This family decided to go to family therapy. Though it did not result in a “perfect” family dynamic, it did result in a happier, more stable one. The children learned coping mechanisms for having another child around full time, and the adults were able to communicate with each other about their expectations in regard to the childrens’ discipline. All members of the family learned to communicate their needs more effectively.

Family Therapy – Therapists in Grand Rapids, Forest Hills

Family therapy simply means counseling sessions the entire family attends. In cases like the one above, the entire family is struggling, perhaps due to a new marriage or divorce. In other situations, only one member is struggling, but the family attends as a unit to better learn how to support the struggling member. There’s nothing worse than when a family doesn’t get along, but havoc in the home can happen to the best of us. More often than not, disruptions to family life are short lived, but not all the time or with all families. Behavioral problems with kids as they grow up can be one issue, as can mental health problems with a parent. Sudden and unexpected illnesses or accidents can also disrupt what used to be a harmonious home life.

When family life becomes more difficult than peaceful or loving, it might be time to look at how family counseling and family therapy practices can help you and your loved ones rebuild the harmony you once enjoyed. And, if family life was never harmonious to begin with, counseling can definitely still help.

Finding the Right Balance

A lot of family relationship problems materialize slowly, over time. When ignored and allowed to fester, problems can bring an entire family to its knees. Family counselors are professionals who can see issues that perhaps those caught up in the turmoil are unable to see for themselves. A Thriveworks Grand Rapids family therapist can help families in the following areas:

  • Addiction
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality
  • Chronic Relapse
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Developmental Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Gambling
  • Grief
  • Domestic Violence

The entire range of issues is too long to list here. Counselors and qualified psychotherapists at Thriveworks Forest Hills are experts in their field. They have extensive experience in working with all kinds of family dynamics and disorders.

There is nothing new about family therapy, but what is new are the growing numbers of people seeking help. Many families are under huge strain because of the increasing demands of today’s hectic lifestyles. Too much work and not enough sleep certainly don’t help matters. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are more often than not solutions to many of these problems.

Grand Rapids family counselors strive to assist in the following areas:

  • Family / Marital / Relationships
  • Physical Illness / Mental Illness
  • Psychological Testing and Evaluation

If you are experiencing ongoing problems in the family home, counseling is a good option to explore. A simple call to our family therapists could turn out to be one of the best decisions you ever make.

How Therapy Can Help

While you may know communication breakdown can impact families, you may not know that it’s actually one of the largest contributors to family dysfunction. Parents who grew up suppressing their feelings may struggle to communicate openly with their children. Children, with today’s hectic schedules and constant barrage of media, may find they’re unable to articulate what’s on their hearts and minds. Therapy can help open lines of communication so the family members can communicate with each other in a healthy way. Though communication problems may not be what brings you to therapy, it’s likely whatever issues your family is facing would benefit from some work on communication.

During family therapy sessions, all participating members will be seen as a group, though in certain cases the therapist may ask to see only one or two members for a session. The counselor will get to know each person and what their role is in the family and family dynamic. While the family will likely discuss the issues they know they are facing, the Thriveworks Grand Rapids family therapist will also help identify any underlying issues that have not been addressed, identify barriers to good communication, and help the family strengthen their communication skills (Mayo Clinic).

Communication is important in every relationship, but it’s deeply important in our closest family relationships. We want our family lives to be harmonious, full of joy, and secure in the knowledge that we can let our guard down and show our truest selves when we’re together.

Thriveworks Grand Rapids family counselors have helped many families overcome the constant struggles, tension, and general discord that can so negatively impact lives, and we’re ready to help you as well. If you’ve been thinking about calling, there’s no reason to wait any longer. Our therapists are experienced, compassionate professionals who are ready to help.

Thriveworks Grand Rapids Family Therapy

Thriveworks Grand Rapids family counselors know how painful living in a family in crisis can be. That’s why we don’t keep a waiting list, instead preferring to see new clients within a week, if not 24 hours, of when they call. If your family is struggling, contact us. We’re ready to help you restore harmony to your most important relationships.

Further Reading
Mayo Clinic. “Family Therapy.” November 2014. Mayoclinic.org.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Grand Rapids Charter Township therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • ASR

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Grand Rapids Charter Township
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Read more I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Kelly Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Read more I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Grand Rapids Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Read more Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Grand Rapids May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Read more I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Grand Rapids Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Read more Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Grand Rapids Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Read more Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Read more My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Grand Rapids Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Read more I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Grand Rapids Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Grand Rapids is located off of Kenmoor Ave SE. We share an office with Paper Plane Therapies, and are located near the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center.

Phone number

(616) 421-9387

Languages spoken by MI providers

  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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