What to Expect When You’re Referred to Therapy by DCFS: A Guide for Parents

A supportive, judgment-free resource for families working toward healing and reunification

When the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) refers you to therapy, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, confused, or even scared. Many parents worry:

• “Is this going to make my case worse?”

• “What will the therapist tell DCFS?”

• “What if I’m not ready to talk about everything?”

We want you to know that all of these feelings are extremely common. DCFS-referred therapy is not about punishment. It’s designed to support you, strengthen your family, and give you tools to meet your case plan requirements. It is ultimately a way to provide guidance and be a resource.

This guide walks you through what to expect, what your rights are, and how therapy can actually help you move your case forward.

Why DCFS Refers Parents to Therapy

DCFS may refer you to therapy for several reasons, including:

• Improving parenting skills

• Processing stress, trauma, or life events

• Addressing communication or relationship issues

• Supporting mental health needs

• Strengthening safety and stability in the home

• Helping you meet case plan requirements

The goal is growth and support, not blame. Therapy can help show DCFS and the court that you’re taking active steps toward reunification and long-term stability.

What Kind of Therapy DCFS Usually Requires

While each case is different, therapy referrals commonly include:

1. Individual Therapy

This is the most common type. It focuses on:

• Managing stress

• Building coping skills

• Understanding triggers

• Working on communication

• Improving emotional regulation

• Reflecting on parenting patterns in a supportive space

Individual therapy is not about judging your parenting, it’s about helping you show up as the best version of yourself. It is about offering you resources for support you may not have previously had.

2. Parenting Support

Some parents are referred to both therapy and parenting classes. Therapy helps with the emotional side; parenting support helps with the practical tools.

Both together show strong commitment to your case plan.

3. Trauma-Informed Therapy

Many families in the DCFS system have experienced trauma, whether that be past or present. Trauma-focused therapy helps you:

• Build safety

• Understand how trauma impacts parenting

• Develop grounding and coping skills

• Break patterns that come from stress or survival mode

Healing your trauma improves how you respond to stress and your child.

What Happens in the First Session

Your first appointment is a getting-to-know-you session, not an interrogation. Although they do tend to feel question heavy, these questions are intended to help the therapist under your world and what you are experiencing so they can best support you. Expect your therapist to gently ask about:

• What led you to therapy

• What your goals are

• What’s going well

• What feels challenging

• What DCFS is asking of you

You are not expected to share your entire story at once. You are ultimately in control of your story, the therapist is there to serve as a guide for helping you managing the stressors and emotions you are dealing with.

They may also ask for:

• Your case plan

• Your social worker’s contact information

• Any letters or documentation required

You get to decide what you’re ready to share.

Will My Therapist Tell DCFS Everything? Understanding Confidentiality

This is one of the biggest fears parents have…and for good reason. So let’s make it clear:

Your therapy is confidential.

Your therapist does not share all of the details of what you talk about. At the beginning of the first session, the therapist will share the limits of confidentiality. Everything the therapist shares will be guided by what is within the best interest of the children impacted by the case, and you, yourself.

What can be shared:

• Attendance

• Progress toward goals

• Treatment recommendations

• Required letters for court

What is never shared unless safety is involved:

• Personal stories

• Trauma history

• Relationship conflicts

• Fears, feelings, or past events

Your therapist is your support system, not part of DCFS.

What Therapy Sessions Usually Look Like

Many parents imagine therapy being intense or filled with judgment. In reality, sessions are often:

A supportive space to:

• Talk about what’s stressful

• Understand your reactions

• Build new parenting strategies

• Process what it feels like to be in a case

• Work on emotions without being criticized

• Celebrate progress

How Therapy Helps With Reunification

Therapy can significantly strengthen your case by showing:

Consistency

Showing up regularly demonstrates responsibility and commitment.

Insight

Being willing to reflect on your experiences and make changes is highly valued by DCFS and the court.

Concrete Skills

Therapy helps you build tools for:

• anger management

• communication

• coping

• stress regulation

• parenting strategies

Stability

Improved emotional health = safer, more stable environment for your child. The more supported you feel internally, the stronger your reunification efforts become.

How Long DCFS Therapy Usually Lasts

Every case is different, but most DCFS-referred therapy lasts:

• 6–12 months for case plan completion

• Longer if additional support is needed or requested

Typically, you are either recommended, or mandated to attend therapy sessions. If you are mandated, the judge will provide you with a direct number of sessions for which you are required to attended. Your therapist can provide letters or progress updates as required by your social worker or attorney. Consistency, by coming every week or every other, offers positive perspective for your case.

What You Can Ask Your Therapist For

You are allowed to advocate for yourself. Ask for:

• Monthly attendance letters

• Documentation for court

• Help understanding your case plan

• Support communicating with your social worker

• Tools for stress, anxiety, or parenting

• Resources for parenting classes, groups, or community support

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Therapy During a DCFS Case

1. Show up even when it’s been a hard week: Your presence alone shows commitment.

2. Be honest about what you’re struggling with: Therapy is the one place where it’s safe to be fully yourself.

3. Take notes after sessions: Helps with documentation and personal growth.

4. Ask questions if anything feels confusing: This is your process.

You’re Not Alone Support Is Here

Being referred to therapy by DCFS can stir up fear, shame, and uncertainty. But therapy is a space designed to help you heal, not to judge your past.

At Calmura Counseling & Wellness, we specialize in supporting parents involved with DCFS by offering:

• DCFS-approved individual therapy

• Parenting support

• Trauma-informed, culturally responsive care

• Attendance letters and case documentation

• A compassionate team that understands the system

You deserve support that strengthens your family, not a process that leaves you overwhelmed and isolated. If you are needing support with these services, reach out to us today. We can schedule you with one of our trauma-informed therapists within 24 hours of your call.