Step 1
Share the Resource
The referring professional may direct the couple to this website or the free 15-minute fit consultation.
Free 15-Minute Fit ConsultationProfessional Referrals
Focused Couples Work That Can Complement Ongoing Treatment
Couples intensives can provide concentrated clinical time when relationship work is difficult to accomplish within a traditional weekly format.
If a couple is already working with an individual therapist, couples therapist, psychiatrist, or other treating professional, the intensive can function as a focused episode of care rather than a replacement for established treatment.
Discuss a Referral or Ask a QuestionWhen an Intensive May Be Useful
When a Referral May Make Sense
A couples intensive may be worth considering when the relationship work would benefit from more uninterrupted clinical time than a standard weekly appointment can provide.
- A persistent interaction cycle that has been difficult to interrupt
- Repeated escalation or withdrawal despite insight into the pattern
- A significant trust rupture or betrayal
- Trauma-related patterns affecting the relationship
- Emotional disconnection that requires more time to explore safely
- Multiple interconnected relationship concerns
- Couples whose schedules make consistent weekly treatment difficult
- Couples who would benefit from concentrated work while continuing with their established therapist afterward
Clinical Screening
A referral begins a fit process.
Every couple is screened for clinical appropriateness before an intensive is scheduled. A professional referral does not guarantee that intensive couples therapy is the appropriate level or format of care.
Active or recent interpersonal violence, coercive control, intimidation or threats, severe instability, untreated substance-use concerns that interfere with safe participation, or situations in which either partner cannot speak freely are not appropriate for couples intensive work.
Continuity of Care
The Intensive Does Not Have to Replace the Couple’s Existing Treatment
Many couples come to an intensive while one or both partners are already engaged in therapy. When appropriate, the intensive can serve as a focused episode of couples treatment, after which the couple returns to its established providers.
With appropriate authorization from the clients, Chad can coordinate with an existing therapist or other treating clinician when that communication would support continuity of care.
The goal is not to disrupt an effective therapeutic relationship. In many cases, the intensive is best understood as concentrated work on a defined relationship concern within a broader course of care.
For Couples Therapists
Already Their Couples Therapist?
A referral for an intensive does not have to mean transferring the couple’s ongoing care. If you are providing weekly couples therapy and believe concentrated work may help move a specific issue forward, the intensive can be considered as a time-limited episode of care with the intention of returning the couple to you afterward when clinically appropriate.
The Referral Process
How to Refer a Couple
Step 2
The Couple Completes the Fit Process
Chad speaks directly with the couple to determine clinical fit, format, location, and scheduling considerations.
Step 3
Coordinate When Appropriate
With appropriate client authorization, relevant communication with an established treating professional can occur when it would support continuity of care.
Step 4
Return to Ongoing Care When Appropriate
After the intensive, couples who have established providers may return to those clinicians for continued treatment and integration.
Professional Inquiries
Who May Refer
Referrals may come from therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, attorneys, mediators, clergy, employee-assistance professionals, or other trusted professionals.
The referring professional is not determining clinical eligibility. Chad’s direct fit process with the couple determines whether an intensive is appropriate.
Referrals involving individuals with public-facing, leadership, professional, or otherwise privacy-sensitive roles are handled within the same professional confidentiality framework as other psychotherapy. Standard legal and ethical limits to confidentiality apply.
For Referring Professionals
Discuss a possible referral.
Contact Chad with general referral questions. Please do not send protected health information or sensitive clinical details by standard email or in a scheduling note.
Discuss a Referral or Ask a Question