Home-based therapy is also called home-based psychotherapy, home-based counseling, or in-home therapy. It takes place when a therapist provides counseling in a person's home. Home-based therapy has helped many people reach their treatment goals.
Home-based therapy takes place at the home of a person in therapy rather than in an office. It can help people who have difficulty getting to private practices or mental health facilities. Factors that could keep someone from getting care include age, chronic medical issues, agoraphobia, and responsibilities at home or work.
Home-based counseling is usually provided at the kitchen table or in a living room. In these settings, clients may feel more comfortable. This might allow the therapist to see their home or belongings and give the ability to see a home environment and observe how people use their space. This can help therapists build good connections quickly. This personalized approach may not be as easy to achieve in an office.
Home-based therapy sessions typically take place at the houses of people in treatment. But, they may also be held in other locations. The counselor and person in therapy can decide to have sessions in the park or discuss treatment during a walk on the beach.
Home-based therapy can be effective when teaching skills used at home. For example, parenting and communication skills can be greatly improved or fine-tuned. This type of therapy allows therapists to observe interactions between family members as they occur naturally. Because of this, Therapists may find out more quickly how to approach treatment. The therapist can also confirm that basic needs are being met at home and share local resources.
Home-based therapy can treat many concerns, including:
- Personal and emotional issues: Examples of these include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
- Juvenile delinquency: Home-based therapy can be useful when working on unhealthy coping mechanisms and behaviors.
- Family issues: At-home family therapy can help with relationship building, communication, conflict management, and problem-solving. It may also reduce stress and build up a family's strengths.
- Marriage counseling: Home-based marriage counseling may improve intimacy and help resolve conflicts.
- Developmental issues or brain injury: Therapists may provide home-based therapy for families of a person with developmental issues or a brain injury. These therapists can help create strategies for supporting a child’s development at home and in their community.
- Intensive psychiatric care: Some therapists offer intensive in-home psychiatric care for children and teenagers. They support young people who have been discharged from residential treatment facilities or psychiatric hospitals.
If you think home-based therapy is right for you, contact me to find out how to proceed. Choosing when and how often in-home therapy sessions will occur depends on what works for you and your therapist. Home-based therapy can be used occasionally, as a supplement to office sessions, or as your main approach.