Court Involved Therapy (CIT)

Court-Involved Therapists

We understand the complexity of the issues and dynamics that may lead you to seek  Court-Involved Therapy services (CIT). Typically, this is not a form of therapy that you may have initiated to look for on your own, but you may have been ordered to attend therapy as part of a court decision after an arrest or charge.

Keystone provides Court-Involved Therapy services (CIT) for the length of your requirement. We also provide therapeutic services to families and children in the child custody or juvenile dependency court system. 

What is Court-Involved Therapy?

If a judge believes that you are likely to benefit from counseling and that it is in your best interest, they can order you to attend a court-approved program for success. To make this determination, the court will examine the issues contributing to your difficult situation. 

The problem may be related to parenting, substance abuse, domestic violence, or many other issues.  CIT can be ordered as part of child support, custody, or visitation arrangements or a separate case filed by one party against another. 

When a person’s mental state puts their health or the safety of others at risk, they may be ordered to attend mandatory therapy sessions by a judge. These sessions can provide an opportunity for people struggling with their mental health to get the help they need in an environment where they feel comfortable, safe, and supported. 

Keystone therapists are carefully selected and trained to work with individuals in high-conflict relationships and/or situations. Our therapists have a range of knowledge and experience around divorce, child welfare, and high-conflict dynamics. This increases their ability to assess the degree to which legal processes may impact treatment. CIT is an opportunity for individuals to make positive outcomes for legal challenges with the help of an expert clinician.

What if I don’t want to go to Court-Involved Therapy?

Some people feel that CIT is a form of punishment and look at the negative of being forced to do Court-Involved Therapy. At Keystone we acknowledge the inconvenience and frustration around the lack of personal decision-making in this choice. 

However, we always try to see the positive side of CIT. While CIT is a court-ordered therapy, it is therapeutic treatment which can provide emotional healing, personal growth, spiritual growth, and/or recovery from addiction or other unhealthy behavior. 

Typically, the court ordered this therapy with positive intentions to provide support and prevent  future challenges. 

This may be a chance for you to learn healthier coping mechanisms and identify personal support systems and outside resources. Remember, you always have a choice in how you want to spend your time in CIT. We respect your time and form the sessions around what you need. 

Our therapists are there to help you find the support and strength you need to overcome obstacles. Your treatment plan is customized to your individual needs and goals. We are here to support you every step of the way! 

Why does the judge want me to attend court-involved therapy?

What led you or your family to go to court? Was it from lack of support or stress? Going through a divorce? Traumatic events? Grief? Substance use? 

Legal intervention can be the first point in realizing that there needs to be a change in behaviors that have developed over time. When issues are not dealt with, these challenges can worsen over time. Many individuals lack the knowledge and support needed to change behaviors to form healthier lifestyles and relationships, and accessing CIT may actually become the turning point to living a better life