Accessing urgent family therapy?

July 15, 2021 11:29 AM

We have an appointment with a family therapist, for two weeks from now, for some issues that came to a head last weekend, but could use a little help in the meantime.

Things are really, really strained, though, so I'm looking for interim, quick access resources. I'm thinking online therapy, but I need one that does family therapy...we are not a romantic couple, so not sure if couples therapy would be the way to go.

Suggestions?

posted by Archipelago to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Response by poster: We are in Minnesota, USA.
posted by Archipelago at 11:32 AM on July 15, 2021

Your employer may have an Assistance Program(EAP) with immediate access to therapists, probably by phone, maybe teleconference. Usually at no cost to you.
posted by theora55 at 11:43 AM on July 15, 2021 [2 favorites]

Along those lines, many employers added Teladoc (or similar) recently to their benefits portfolios. We've used Teladoc for other things over the last 6 months and have been impressed with the services.
posted by jquinby at 11:46 AM on July 15, 2021 [1 favorite]

I constantly hear ads for Betterhelp.com, which claim to match you with a therapist within 24 hours or so. Not sure that means you could schedule an appointment immediately, but it might be worth looking into.
posted by smokyjoe at 11:47 AM on July 15, 2021

There's not an official "couples" therapy track anywhere really, the closest you will find is that most states do specifically license some kind of "MFT" Marriage and Family Therapy", and the family part should cover you fine. But any whatever kind of licensed therapists or licensed social workers may choose to see units beyond individuals, whether those people are related to each other or not.

Inquire everywhere you think you have a chance to get seen, and let them know up front that this is two people (include ages; if one of you is a minor or a child some therapists may not choose to work in that space) related to each other in X way and go from there.
posted by Lyn Never at 12:03 PM on July 15, 2021

Emotion Focused Therapy started as couples work but has expanded to include a broader range of family relationships. Here is a list of the EFT trained therapist in your state. When you reach out, be sure to include in your message the type of relationship that you want help with: parent/child, sibling, housemates - whatever it is. That will help the therapist quickly determine if it is the type of work that they have the experience and qualifications to help.
posted by metahawk at 1:18 PM on July 15, 2021