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Family therapy is a type of talk therapy that includes the child and other family members. It's based on the idea that the way family members talk to each other and support one another can affect a child's recovery from depression. It helps families work together to support the child's mental health.
Family therapy for a child with depression is based on these ideas:
- Depression can affect the whole family. And family relationships can affect how a child copes with depression. Having good communication and better support may help the child feel better.
- Changes in one family member may affect the whole family. And positive changes may benefit everyone.
- Family therapists look at how family relationships may affect a child's well-being while recognizing that depression has many possible causes.
A family therapist:
- Teaches family members about depression and healthy ways to talk to each other and support one another.
- Helps the family work together to support the child instead of focusing only on the child's symptoms.
- Helps the family identify problems, stress, or conflict and find healthy ways to work through them.
- Builds on the family's strengths.
- Teaches practical ways to solve problems and handle stress together.
The goal of family therapy is to help the family work as a team, not to place blame on anyone.
The number of sessions varies depending on the child's needs and treatment goals. The family and therapist work together to set goals and decide how long treatment is likely to last. Not all family members attend every session.
Family therapy is one of several treatments that may help children with depression. Depending on the child's needs, treatment may also include individual therapy, medicine, or both. Throughout treatment, the child's symptoms and safety should be checked regularly.
What To Expect
People who participate in family therapy sessions learn more about themselves and about how their family functions.
Why It Is Done
Anyone who has a condition that interferes with their life and the lives of family members may benefit from family therapy.
Family therapy has been used successfully to treat many different types of families in many different situations, including those in which:
- The parents have conflict within their relationship.
- A child has behavior or school problems.
- Children or teens have problems getting along with each other.
- One family member has a mental health condition, such as depression or substance use disorder.
Family therapy can also be useful before problems begin. Some families seek this type of therapy when they anticipate a major change in their lives.
The concepts of family therapy can also be used in individual therapy sessions and are very helpful for people who come from families in which there is illness or other problems. Adults who lived in poorly functioning families as children may benefit from individual therapy using family therapy concepts.
How Well It Works
Family therapy can help maintain positive relationships within a family dealing with a stressful situation or a life-changing event, such as having a loved one with a mental health condition. But more specific types of therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or medicines, may be needed too.
Risks
- Family therapy can make some problems worse if it is not guided appropriately by a well-trained counselor.
- Therapy may not sufficiently resolve issues if it is stopped too soon.
- Family therapy may be less effective if one family member refuses to participate.
Credits
Current as of: July 31, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 31, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
