family services

Families are an integral part of treatment at the Merck Center. Every family is important and unique so we offer a range of services to choose from.

Family therapy is conducted by an independently licensed therapist on a weekly basis, or at a frequency of parents choosing. This forum is highly individualized, occurring either in person or via conference call, to target the unique goals of each family.

A monthly on-campus support group is offered so that parents can come together with others to share, learn new skills, and receive support. Usually on the same evening as the support group, each program has a family dinner night where family members share a meal and make connections.

The Merck Center also encourages students to go home on weekends when it is indicated clinically. Time at home is an important part of treatment - providing the family with opportunities to practice new skills and evaluate progress. A clinician helps the family create a detailed visitation contract that outlines household rules and expectations before any trip home. The Treatment Coordinator can also help the parents prepare for the visit through skill training and coaching if that is desired.

In preparation for girls returning home, some families utilize our in home therapists for support and coaching. These therapists work with parents and their children to negotiate rules, coach parents around behavior management techniques that have been effective at the Merck Center, and help the family set up support services and recreational activities in their communities. If the family wants, these in-home therapists can continue to provide support after the girl returns home.

For families who live further away, we have structured family weekends which involve formal family therapy meetings, skill training on ways to address problematic behaviors within the home, and time for the family to be together and visit the many sites and activities in Greater Boston.

All families receive weekly phone calls from their daughter’s treatment coordinator, as well as regular contact with her therapist.