Family Therapy

Family is one of our greatest sources of joy, support, and stability. Still, every family has moments of tension and conflict–it’s a natural part of life together. Learning how to navigate these disputes is essential for fostering a connected, resilient family environment.

Family therapy provides families with a safe, supportive space to address conflicts, improve communication, and build stronger bonds. At Start My Wellness, we’re dedicated to providing family therapy, in-person or online, to Michigan residents, ensuring every family has access to essential support.



Schedule Appointment

Learn New Ways of Relating

Identify How Specific Behaviors Affect Each Other

Open Lines of Communication

Learn New Skills to Get Through Difficult Situations

Strengthen Your Family’s Bonds with Compassionate Therapy

Family therapy is a collaborative process where families come together to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster a stronger, more supportive environment. Guided by a professional therapist, family members explore their roles and perspectives within the family dynamic, working directly on goals established in therapy.

Family therapy isn’t just for families dealing with specific issues–it’s beneficial for any family seeking to strengthen their relationships and develop healthier communication patterns. Each family has unique challenges, and therapy offers a personalized approach to support these specific needs, whether it’s improving emotional understanding, setting boundaries, or addressing the following issues:

N

ADHD & OCD

N

Anger

N

Anxiety & Stress

N

Career Choices

N

Codependency

N

Depression

N

Divorce

N

Empowerment

N

Grief & Loss

N

Life Transitions

N

Low Self-Esteem

N

Mood Disorders

N

Parenting Issues

N

Personality Disorders

N

Relationships

N

Self-Esteem

N

Sexual Issues

N

Thought Disorders

N

Substance Abuse

N

Work/Life Balance

During initial sessions, your therapist will learn about your family, its dynamics, and any specific needs that need addressing. They will work with you to determine goals to pursue during therapy, and sessions focus on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and working towards your family’s goals in a structured process, teaching you tools and strategies to benefit your family long after therapy ends.

How Much Does Therapy Cost?



You Will Know the Cost Up Front

Start My Wellness provides you with transparent access to all of your billing information. Before your first appointment, you will get a free cost estimate, so you’re never left wondering “How much will I have to pay?”



We Accept Insurance & Payment via HSAs

Insurance will often help to pay for a significant part of your treatment. We verify your insurance benefits before you see a provider and send you a cost estimate so you know exactly what your cost will be moving forward. In addition, any fees owed are eligible for reimbursement by most health savings account plans.

Why Choose Start My Wellness?

Personalized Approach

We recognize that every family is unique and our therapists customize sessions around your specific needs.

Compassionate Therapists

Our team has years of experience working with families towards lasting growth.

Flexible Options

With both in-person and online therapy options, we make it easy for Michigan families to access the support they need.

Commitment to Accessible Care

We believe that quality mental healthcare should be available to all families and work with you to ensure our services is accessible.

Meet Our Family Therapists

Claudia Cacciato, LMSW, CAADC

Therapist

Specialties

Type of Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Humanistic Therapy, Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy

Patient Population

Adults, Families, Teens

Issue Focus

Academic / Career, Anxiety / Depression, Codependency, Grief and Loss, LGBTQIA+, Life Transitions, Personal Empowerment, PTSD / Trauma, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Thought Disorders

Insurance Accepted

Aetna, Blue Care Network, BCBS, Priority Health, Self Pay

Read Full Bio +

Karelyn Dippel, LLMSW

Therapist

Specialties

Type of Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Therapy

Patient Population

Adults, Families, Kids, Teens

Issue Focus

Academic / Career, Grief and Loss, LGBTQIA+, PTSD / Trauma, Relationships

Insurance Accepted

Aetna, BCBS, Priority Health, Self Pay

Read Full Bio +

Elizabeth Kjar, M.ed, LLMSW

Therapist

Specialties

Type of Therapy

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Related Empowerment Therapy

Patient Population

Adults, Families, Kids, Teens

Issue Focus

Academic / Career, ADHD, Anxiety / Depression, BIPOC, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Mood Disorders, Personal Empowerment, PTSD / Trauma, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Substance Abuse, Thought Disorders

Insurance Accepted

Aetna, BCBS, Priority Health, Self Pay

Read Full Bio +

Make an Appointment

To get started with Start My Wellness, schedule an appointment online or call 248-514-4955. During the scheduling process, we will ask questions to match you with the therapist who will best meet your needs including service type, emotional symptoms and availability.

Call (248) 514-4955

-OR-

Schedule Appointment Online

Family Therapy FAQs

HIDDEN - DO NOT DELETE

How is family therapy different from individual therapy?

Individual therapy will always involve just you. Family therapy involves the “family unit,” which is anyone in the immediate family and close loved ones that may not be blood-related. Additionally, family therapy aims to strengthen the family unit and explore the relationships between family members.

How do I know if my family needs therapy?

Any family can benefit from therapy and learn ways to strengthen their emotional connections. However, if there are significant behavioral problems, ongoing conflicts, or significant life changes such as divorce, you may consider family therapy. Early intervention can help prevent ongoing issues from escalating.

Need help choosing a therapist? Read our How to Find a Therapist guide, search our list of experienced therapists or call (248)-514-4955 and our helpful staff can assist you with selecting the right therapist for your unique needs and schedule.

Do you offer online sessions?

Start My Wellness offers online sessions for Michigan residents to ensure your family always has access to the support they need, in addition to in-person options at our clinics in Ferndale and Traverse City. To find a therapist that offers virtual appointments, select “Online” as the location on our therapist search page.

How much does therapy cost?

Family therapy costs can vary based on the type of therapy and your insurance provider. We are in network with Aetna, Blue-Cross Blue Shield, and Priority health, and we’ll always let you know the cost of therapy before sessions begin. If you have any more questions, check out our Cost of Therapy page and contact us if you have any more questions.

Does insurance cover family therapy?

Many insurance providers cover online therapy, including family therapy, but coverage varies by plan. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to confirm they cover behavioral health services. We are in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Priority Health for Michigan residents.

At Start My Wellness, we will inform you about your eligibility and the services cost before treatment begins. For more questions visit our Insurances We Accept page.

How often does my family need to come in?

Therapy is kind of like fitness – the more you put into it the more you benefit. Our clients tell us that at least one session per week is most helpful to them. Of course, coming more or less often is also an option. Questions? Contact Us