Therapeutic Supervised Visitation

Written by SVT Team

What is Therapeutic Supervised Visitation?

Therapeutic supervised visitation is a type of visitation that takes place in either the home or at a neutral location. This form of intervention is used to address barriers, promote safety, permanency, and improve the well-being for children. This approach has been used for many years to help children and families who have experienced traumatic events, such as domestic violence or child abuse.

Who is Therapeutic Supervised Visitation for?

Therapeutic Supervised Visitation is designed to help parents and family members understand how their behavior affects their children. This method offers parents the opportunity to learn more about themselves, their children, and ways to improve their communication skills and parenting practices. Therapeutic Supervised Visitation also allows time spent with the children in a safe and controlled space.  

Therapeutic supervision can be done in one-on-one sessions or family sessions with both the parents and their children present. The therapist works with all parties involved to help them learn how to communicate better with each other and resolve their differences peacefully. This process takes time and patience, however, it can be very beneficial in helping families better understand what has caused issues and how to avoid them in the future.

Why Therapeutic Supervised Visitation is Important?

 Therapeutic supervision is especially helpful when there are concerns about:

• A child’s safety
• An ongoing conflict between parents
• A parent’s inability to manage their own stress and emotions
• A parent’s mental health issues that could impact the child 

Direct observation of parenting practices is essential towards improving family relationships. Specific issues that prevent bonding and attachment with children are typically addressed during the visitation as well. This enables a parent to visit their children in an appropriate environment supervised by a qualified mental health professional.

The therapist may invite the parent to meet separately from their children to provide ideas for a successful visit or education on building their parent-child relationship. The utmost priority of Therapeutic Supervision Visitation is the safety and care of the children. This type of supervision is to ensure that the children feel comfortable and do not experience any distress during their visit.

A number of studies have shown that Therapeutic Supervised Visitation can be an effective tool for reducing conflict within families. By meeting with a professional regularly you will have the opportunity to talk about your progress and any issues that arise. You will also benefit from guidance regarding how to best manage specific situations that occur within your family.

How to Get Therapeutic Supervised Visitation

Therapeutic Supervised Visitation is commonly ordered through a legal process and there may be abuse or parental conflict involved in the process. Whenever there is an indication of trauma, abuse, or excessive conflict this type of visitation can be warranted and effective. Upon completion of Therapeutic Supervised Visitation, a report can be written with an assessment and next steps.

Here is a Self-Help Guide to Supervised Visitation from the Judicial Brand of California. 

We advice you look into your state’s government website for details on what is required for Supervised Visitation.  

How We Can Help You

When you feel like the world is falling apart around you, it’s hard to know where to turn.

You’re not alone—and we want to help.

Silicon Valley Therapy offers Therapeutic Supervised Visitation with mental health professionals who are highly skilled in working with families and children. Therapeutic Supervised Visitation is not a replacement for family therapy, reunification therapy, or individual therapy. If you are uncertain about what services are best for you, contact us for a free consultation so we can help guide you to the best service to meet your needs.

Get Started

The first step is always the hardest. You are not alone and we are here to help.

1. Schedule a free phone consultation or appointment.
2. Contact us to discuss further.