Family intake sessions typically include a core set of questions. The responses to these are recorded in your intake note and guide your initial clinical impressions.
Compliance tip: For insurance billing purposes, family therapy must always have an "identified patient" — the individual whose diagnosis is being treated and whose insurance is billed for the session. Be sure your intake form and documentation clearly indicate who this person is. Missing this detail is one of the most common reasons family therapy claims are denied.
Questions about client background
Begin with simple questions to ease the family into the conversation. Background questions help you get to know the family and gather information on essential context.
Topics covered in this section:
- Client names and ages
- Gender identity
- Family members present in therapy and not present in therapy
- Current living situation
- Relationship status of caretakers
- Previous relationships and blended family information
- Cultural and ethnic background
- Languages spoken and any need of translation services
- Medical history
- Mental health history
- Substance use history
- History and results of previous family therapy
- Major recent changes or life events
- Support network outside of the family
Questions about family therapy goals and motivators
Once the family background has been established, the next step is to explore the family’s goals and motivations for seeking therapy. Relevant topics and examples of questions include:
Reason for therapy
- What caused the family to reach out for therapy?
- What are you hoping would change for the family after going through therapy?
- What challenges have been affecting your family the most?
Rules/expectations
- What are some expectations you have for each other and for me as your therapist?
- What are some ground rules that we should establish together for therapy (e.g. no interruptions)?
Future hopes
- What do you think would happen for your family in the future if you worked through the current challenges?
- What do you picture for the family down the road?
As these answers are captured from the family, these can be turned into a treatment plan. Using the Wiley treatment planner is a quick and effective way to build those client treatment plans.
Questions about family values and connections
The next section of the intake explores family values and connections in the family. This provides a fuller picture of the relationships and dynamics within the family.
Family lessons learned
- What have you learned about what works and doesn’t work within the family?
- What have you learned from previous challenges that you try to apply now?
Moments of connection
- When does your family feel most connected to one another?
- How do you reconnect after periods of distance or conflict?
Parenting styles
- How is parenting approached in the family?
- How do you handle disagreements in parenting?
Communication styles
- How do you typically communicate with one another?
- How do family members express disagreement or conflict?
Personal values
- What are the values each of you hold individually? How are these aligned or different from other family members?
Family values
- Are there any shared values you hold as a family?
- How do these values shape how you live out life together?
Quality time
- How much time do you spend together?
- What activities make you feel most connected?
Coping skills
- How do you cope with difficult moments? As a family and individually?
- Do you have any coping skills that you have found to be helpful?
