Finding a Therapist Who Understands Family Court

Not All Therapists Are Equal for Your Situation

You need a therapist who understands the unique pressure of custody litigation — someone who knows how therapy intersects with the legal process and won't accidentally hurt your case.

What to Look For

Specializations

Filter for therapists who list experience with:

• Family conflict and divorce
• Men's issues
• Co-parenting
• High-conflict relationships
• Custody and family court

A therapist who specializes in anxiety or depression is fine for general mental health, but a family court-savvy therapist understands the unique dynamics you're dealing with.

Where to Search

Psychology Today Therapist Finder

psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

The most comprehensive therapist directory available:

1. Enter your zip code
2. Filter by insurance (select your provider)
3. Filter by issues: select "Divorce," "Men's Issues," "Parenting"
4. Filter by type: Individual therapy
5. Read profiles and look for experience with custody cases

Open Path Collective

openpathcollective.org

If cost is a barrier, Open Path offers therapy sessions for $30–$80. No insurance needed. Membership fee is $65 one-time.

NAMI Helpline

1-800-950-6264 — nami.org/help

NAMI can provide referrals to mental health professionals in your area and connect you with support groups.

BetterHelp

betterhelp.com

Online therapy platform. Convenient if your schedule is unpredictable. Sliding scale available based on financial need.

Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

1. "Do you have experience working with clients going through custody disputes?" — You want a yes with specifics.
2. "How do you handle therapy notes in the context of court?" — Less is more. Good therapists keep minimal notes for this reason.
3. "Do you understand how therapy records may be subpoenaed?" — They should know this and discuss it with you proactively.
4. "What's your approach — do you focus on skills and coping, or more on exploring the past?" — For custody situations, practical skills-based approaches are usually more helpful.
5. "Would you be comfortable providing a letter to the court if needed?" — Some therapists will; some won't.

Therapy Records and Court: What You Need to Know

Individual Therapy

• Generally protected by therapist-patient privilege
• Can be waived by the patient (you)
• May be pierced by court order in some circumstances
• Your therapist's notes can be subpoenaed — this is why minimal notes matter

Couples/Family Therapy

• Different rules apply — privilege may not exist for joint therapy sessions
• In many states, there is NO privilege for couples therapy records
• This means anything said in couples therapy could end up in court

What This Means for You

• Individual therapy has stronger privilege protections
• Tell your therapist about the custody case from session one
• Ask them to keep notes minimal (session date, general topic, interventions used)
• Don't say anything to a couples therapist you wouldn't say in court

How Therapy Helps Your Case

Therapy isn't just good for you — it's good for your case:

• Demonstrates self-awareness: You recognize stress and are managing it
• Shows willingness to improve: You're investing in being a better parent
• Emotional stability: Therapy helps you stay composed in court
• Proactive approach: Judges prefer parents who seek help before problems escalate

Next Steps

1. Search Psychology Today today using the filters above
2. Call 2–3 therapists and ask the screening questions
3. Choose one and schedule your first appointment this week
4. Be honest about the custody situation from session one
5. If cost is a barrier, start with Open Path Collective