Many mental health professionals and their clients recognize the necessity of treating mental and emotional problems within the context of the family system. Research has shown that family-based interventions are as effective - and in many cases more effective - than alternative interventions, often at a lower cost. Studies demonstrate that family therapy is a preferred method of treatment for depression, substance abuse, alcoholism, marital problems, child problems, couple enrichment, and schizophrenia, to name a few.

Family therapy for severe mental illness is one of the most well-studied and effective interventions in the mental health literature. Family involvement - including family psycho-education, multifamily group therapy, and family therapy - have been consistently linked to better individual and family functioning. Research on couples therapy for depression indicates that couples therapy is the treatment of choice for couples in which there is both depression and couple distress. Family therapy outcomes for severe mental illness include improved well-being, fewer medical illnesses, decreased medical care utilization, and increased self-efficacy.

Family-based interventions are also effective for persons with medical problems. Treatment outcomes show improvement in the identified patient, as well as in other family members. Family therapy is particularly effective with families who are providing care to elders and to a child with a chronic illness (e.g., asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, cancer). There is also some evidence that family involvement facilitates disease prevention, demonstrating improved outcomes for weight reduction for children and cardiovascular risk.

 

Board certification assures the public and the profession that the family psychologist specialist has successfully completed the educational, training, and experience requirements of the specialty including an examination designed to assess the competencies required to provide quality services in family psychology. Maryanne Watson, Ph.D. is board certified in Family Psychology.