Frequently Asked Questions

Reunification therapy addresses a strained or disrupted parent-child relationship. It requires understanding why contact has deteriorated, the child’s emotional experience, the conduct of adults, and whether the proposed work is appropriate and safe.

No. A parent may make an inquiry without a court order. Treatment still requires the appropriate consent, participation, and clarification of any existing orders.

Dr. Washam has decades of clinical experience, advanced psychoanalytic preparation, and a history of more than 55 high-conflict, court-related family matters since 2020. His work includes reunification and related family treatment.

Yes. Parents may contact the practice directly. You do not need a professional referral or a settled explanation of the problem to make an initial inquiry.

No. The practice must consider clinical fit, availability, participation, and the professional role before accepting a case. A text or call does not establish a treatment relationship.

Use the brief contact form to request a response, or call or text the practice. Do not send confidential records or detailed family information in an initial inquiry. The practice will explain what further information is needed.

It can feel devastating when your child refuses contact. Dr. Washam begins by considering what the child has experienced, how the relationship changed, what the adults have done, and whether safety or outside pressures help explain the situation.

No. A child’s refusal alone cannot establish parental alienation. Nor can it determine that the rejection is justified. Clinical assessment must consider the child, relationship history, adult conduct, and possible safety concerns.

Contact refusal alone cannot answer that question. Amy J. L. Baker's framework considers whether the parent-child relationship has broken down, whether there was a prior positive relationship, whether abuse, neglect, or seriously deficient parenting adequately explains the rejection, whether the favored parent has engaged in alienating behaviors, and whether the child's behavior shows patterns associated with alienation.

Baker’s framework may help organize questions about alienating behavior and possible alternative explanations. It cannot substitute for a careful assessment of the child and family.

Safety concerns can substantially affect whether and how relationship-focused treatment is appropriate. A history or allegation of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, substance misuse, or other frightening behavior should be taken seriously and considered in the context of the particular family.

Reunification therapy does not mean that contact must occur immediately or without adequate safeguards. The clinician considers the child’s experience, the relationship history, current safety, and the purpose of any proposed contact.

Yes. The length and circumstances of the separation are important parts of assessing what might be appropriate. An inquiry does not guarantee that a previous relationship can be restored.

Some parents and children have had little opportunity to form a meaningful relationship because of prolonged absence, distance, military service, illness, incarceration, separation during early childhood, or other circumstances. In those situations, the work may involve developing familiarity and trust rather than restoring a previous relationship. A consultation can help clarify whether Dr. Washam's services may fit the circumstances.

Yes. Teenagers should be heard and treated respectfully. Their developing independence is considered alongside safety, family history, adult influences, and any relevant court directions.

Clarify what participation and consent the proposed service requires. If a legal disagreement affects treatment, the relevant legal question needs to be addressed through the appropriate process.

A brief inquiry addresses suitability and availability. When clinical work begins, the family history, participation, informed consent, financial terms, and initial treatment approach are clarified.

Not always. Separate appointments with parents and a child may be appropriate first. The sequence and any joint meetings depend on the clinical assessment and safety considerations.

No fixed duration fits every family. Ask what the goals are, how progress will be reviewed, and what would prompt a change in the treatment approach.

No. Reconciliation, renewed contact, and legal outcomes cannot be guaranteed. The purpose of treatment is to work responsibly toward an appropriate, healthier relationship where possible.

Family therapy is a broad category. Reunification work has a particular focus on disrupted parent-child contact and may involve additional questions about consent, court orders, and professional roles.

Prepare a brief description of the relationship difficulty and a few questions about participation, professional role, safety, and fees. Wait for secure instructions before submitting detailed records.

Contact the practice to clarify availability and the proposed engagement. The order, treatment authority, role, participants, communication, and payment arrangements need to be understood before proceeding.

A treating role and a custody evaluation are different functions. Ask what role is being accepted and what opinions or reports are within that role.

Court-involved reunification therapy may have different confidentiality and information-sharing arrangements from conventional individual psychotherapy. Depending on applicable law, informed consent, and the terms of any court order, certain information may be shared with the court or designated professionals, including authorized updates concerning participation or treatment progress.

However, court involvement does not automatically make every therapeutic communication or clinical record subject to disclosure. Before treatment begins, the clinician should explain what information may be shared, with whom, for what purpose, and what confidentiality and privilege protections apply to the particular engagement.

Do not treat therapy or a website inquiry as changing an order. Ask the appropriate legal professional to clarify legal obligations and the process for addressing uncertainty.

Yes, professionals can contact the practice to discuss availability, role, and suitability. A proposed referral is not accepted until confirmed by the practice.

Reunification and other court-involved or forensic professional services are billed at $225 per 55 minutes under the published rate schedule. Ask about a retainer and any separately billed work before agreeing to services.

The practice is self-pay, accepts cash or check only, and does not bill insurance. Rates and responsibilities should be clear before clinical services are scheduled.

The office is at 2734 Chancellor Drive, Suite 202, Crestview Hills, KY 41017. Appointments are by arrangement.

Educational resources are available to readers elsewhere. Clinical availability depends on the practice’s actual service arrangements and the relevant jurisdiction. Confirm directly rather than assuming interstate or telehealth availability.