14,141 people sought family therapy help in Pennsylvania in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, United Healthcare | Optum, +2 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Addiction, +6 more

As a therapist, I understand that it can be hard to open up to someone, but I want therapy to feel like getting a cup of coffee with a friend.

68 more therapist available in Pennsylvania

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

Molly Maureen Alvord

Hear from Molly Maureen Alvord, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Molly Maureen Alvord's profile

What is your go-to approach for family therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in family therapy is to start where they are, meaning with what prompted them to come to therapy and what is weighing on them the most. My style is eclectic, so I prefer to adapt my methods to meet their needs, and this changes as therapy progresses. In family therapy, I find the best benefit when everyone involved feels heard because this allows for positive progress for all involved.

What tools do you teach in family therapy?

These are some of the tools or coping skills that I teach in family therapy:

  • Problem solving: Looking at your situation to identify what you CAN do instead of only seeing the problem.
  • Mindfulness: Techniques that increase awareness and help you focus on being present in the moment and connecting you with your thoughts and feelings.
  • Grounding exercises: A part of mindfulness often used to cope with feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
  • Communication skills: Learning to express your thoughts and emotions appropriately to yourself and others, this includes listening skills.
  • Relaxation techniques: Used to reduce stress, anxiety, and other symptoms as well as for self-care.
  • Strengths: What are your strengths? What are the strengths of your family members? Identifying positive traits helps to identify what we can build on while navigating the issues.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in family therapy?

I know clients are making meaningful progress in family therapy when they report using skills that they learned in therapy successfully. Anytime someone reports that therapy is helping them feel better, that is progress. When someone is able to incorporate new coping skills into daily life and see the progress, that is meaningful. Even small positive changes to your perspective and behaviors will have a significant and meaningful impact in your life.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement family therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in family therapy by practicing their listening and other skills between sessions. They can read articles or books to increase their knowledge and understanding. I often make suggestions or send links to articles that are specific to their needs or concerns. If you find information on your own, it is always a good idea to ask your therapist to confirm that the information is accurate, especially for information found on social media or online videos.

What should someone do to prepare for starting family therapy?

To prepare for their first family therapy session, an individual can make a list of questions and/or concerns. Bring a list of any medications that you are taking, prescription, OTC, and supplements. Have a list of prior mental health treatments with dates and names if possible. But most of all be kind to yourself and allow yourself to be open to the idea of exploring your thoughts and emotions.

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 Pittsburgh, PA 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 Pittsburgh, PA 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.

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 Pittsburgh therapists and counselors accept 32 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Geisinger Health Plan

  • Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Pittsburgh
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Therapy has been a self care item on my list for a very long time... I have been avoiding the work as self reflection and honesty about yourself can be very hard. Brenda makes this process so easy! I am very happy I found her and Thriveworks. I have been doing the work and she makes it easy and heartfelt as we process through things in my life. Thank you!
Read more Therapy has been a self care item on my list for a very long time... I have been avoiding the work as self reflection and honesty about yourself can be very hard. Brenda makes this process so easy! I am very happy I found her and Thriveworks. I have been doing the work and she makes it easy and heartfelt as we process through things in my life. Thank you!
Pamela Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh is near Wood Street and Fourth Street. Our office is near University Center, and across the street from Madarin Gourmet.

Phone number

(412) 668-1226

Languages spoken by PA providers

  • Russian
  • English
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
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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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
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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