Pediatric Mental Health: Working with the Whole Family

Family-based therapy (FBT) focuses on the relationships and dynamics within a child's family to address and treat mental health challenges. It’s based on the premise that the family is a key factor in a child's mental well-being and can play a critical role in their recovery. FBT involves both the child and their family members in therapy sessions and aims to improve communication, strengthen relationships and create a supportive environment.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss family-centered care and FBT

In this episode, Julia Barnes, PhD, and William Mowle join us for a conversation on the importance of FBT and family-centered care, and how pediatric providers can refer to and promote this type of care.  

Dr. Barnes is a licensed clinical psychologist at The Pediatric Mental Health Institute and faculty co-chair for the Family Advisory Council at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

William is the parent co-chair of the Family Advisory Council. 

In this episode, our experts discuss:

• An overview of the family-based therapeutic approach
• What families can expect from their intake interview
• Setting long-term expectations for improving mental well-being
• Educating parents and providing a path forward
• Challenges that parents experience
• The role a family advisory council can play in healthcare

Pediatric mental health at Children’s Colorado 

The Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado provides the highest quality mental health services to children, adolescents and their families. We strive to deliver evidence-based, family-focused and youth-centered services that make a difference.