Family Services Continuum of Care
1. Family Services Orientation (virtual)
Learn, understand and support with the first step in our Family Services continuum. This no-cost orientation provides your family with helpful information and supportive resources—regardless of whether your loved one is in active addiction, seeking treatment, involved in some level of drug or alcohol counseling, or in recovery. Orientation incorporates insights on the effects of addiction and mental health issues on families and provides an overview of services available to families.
This series of on-demand educational videos covers:
- programs and resources offered by our Family Services team
- how substance use disorders impact the entire family
- the science behind addiction
2. Family Program (virtual and in-person)
Our two‑part Family Program begins with a series of educational workshops that teach families supporting a loved one with substance use challenges evidence‑based skills to understand treatment and recovery, communicate more effectively, rebuild relationships, and strengthen self‑care, all of which help to support better recovery outcomes. These workshops are followed by group coaching sessions – an essential next step that deepens the learning, provides opportunities to practice skills, and offers connection with other families while addressing shared challenges through guided support. Educational workshops are available both in person and virtually, and group coaching is offered virtually.
- Culturally and language-appropriate Family Programs for Native American and Spanish speaking families are also available virtually.
- In-person educational workshops are available at no-cost.
Upcoming Family Programs
3. Individual and Family Coaching (virtual)
Led by specially trained coaches, these virtual sessions focus on family needs, offering individualized, evidence-based strategies without the patient present—empowering loved ones to take positive steps to navigate challenging situations.
4. Family Support Group
These ninety-minute, no-cost, virtual group sessions are offered weekly and feature a rotating series of family-informed topics and addiction/recovery-related discussions. Groups take place on Tuesday and Thursday each week.
More Recovery Resources for Families
Native American Family Program
For Native American families, the weight of intergenerational trauma, unresolved grief, stigma and isolation can make the healing journey all the more challenging. This two-hour virtual program, facilitated by a Native American professional, creates a supportive learning and processing environment for your family to heal and grow together.
Servicios para la familia en español (Spanish-Language Family Services)
Facilitado por consejeros nativos de habla hispana, este programa virtual de tres horas ayuda a su familia a reconocer la adicción como una enfermedad, aprender sobre el proceso de recuperación, comprender la dinámica de las relaciones y fortalecer las habilidades de comunicación.
Apoyo para familias afectadas por la adicción: Learn More
Together App for Families
Get connected and stay connected with this no-cost app designed to inform, inspire and support the healing journey for families of patients at Hazelden Betty Ford. When you download the Together App for Families, you'll discover a whole community of hope, healing and understanding—because we heal and grow best together.
Key Features:
- Direct messaging with Hazelden Betty Ford's Family Support Team
- Community-building opportunities with other recovering families
- Online content and other activities to help you better understand addiction as a disease and recovery as a process
- Information about events, workshops, classes and support groups
- A resource library of articles and videos about treatment, recovery and family care
In-Person Children's Program (Ages 7-12)
Our award-winning Children's Program provides support, education and care to kids who grow up in a family with alcohol or other drug addiction. Children participate in programming on site, over several consecutive days at our locations in Center City, Minnesota; Denver, Colorado; and Rancho Mirage, California.
Virtual Children's Program (Ages 7-12)
Children and caregivers participate via Zoom over a two-day period, with three-hour sessions each day. Components for caregivers and children are conducted separately, with the majority of programming time designed for the kids. Register Now.
Adolescent Program (Ages 13-17)
Delivered in four, 60-minute sessions, this virtual program helps adolescents have a safe and supportive space to explore the ways their loved one's addiction has impacted their family while also learning how to set boundaries and strengthen their own healing. When adolescents complete the program, they are invited to weekly continuing care meetings. Register Now
FAQs about our Children's Program
What happens in the Children's Program?
The Children's Program blends learning and play through developmentally appropriate content and activities. With the care and guidance of highly trained counselors, children get to know one another through fun group activities. Kids are also empowered to express themselves in healthy ways.
Why is it important for children who have an addicted parent to participate?
Learning that your parent's alcoholism or substance abuse is not your fault is very powerful for a child. It allows the child to be a kid again. Research shows a genetic component to addiction, so children who have a family history of the disease are at increased risk of developing substance use and behavioral health problems themselves. Equipping youngsters with healthy living skills is an effective form of prevention.
How does the program help families deepen their healing and connection?
Through artwork, stories, letters to "Addiction" and other ways of communicating, children share with their parents what it's been like for them to live such chaos and uncertainty. This is a very moving and eye-opening experience for kids and adults alike.
What can I say to parents to encourage their participation?
Adults who grew up with addiction in their family can give their children a gift they never received as kids—the opportunity to heal from the pain caused by a parent's alcohol abuse or drug addiction. Through our Children's Program, parents also have the opportunity to break the cycle of substance abuse in their family.
What happens at the conclusion of the program?
Children "graduate" with a better understanding of addiction as well as a better ability to identify and express their feelings. Kids also begin the process of creating self-care strategies for themselves and identifying safe people who can provide support. Counseling staff contact each family to provide continuing care recommendations and encouragement to continue seeking services for their child and the collective health of the family.
Why do you avoid using "addict" or "alcoholic" to describe people who have a substance use disorder?
As a behavioral healthcare organization, Hazelden Betty Ford strives to use person-first language that recognizes the person above and beyond their condition or diagnosis. The labels "addicts" and "alcoholics" can perpetuate stigma and diminish help-seeking. We affirm the right of persons who are talking about their own experiences to self-identify with the terms they prefer.
Mental Health Assessments
An assessment by one of our mental health therapists is a helpful place to start when you and your family are struggling to cope but don't really know what services or support would help. Mental health assessments are designed to identify what's going on and what kinds of therapy could benefit you most. Call us to schedule an appointment: 1-833-977-1915.
In-Person Therapy
Counseling that approaches behavioral health challenges from a family perspective—rather than solely an individual matter—can improve awareness and understanding for everyone and increase the chances of long-term recovery.
Hazelden Betty Ford offers individual, family and couples counseling on an outpatient basis. Inpatient mental health services are provided in concert with substance use treatment for our residential patients diagnosed with co-occurring conditions. Call us to learn more about outpatient mental health services for your family: 1-833-977-1915.
Virtual Therapy Options
Telehealth appointments work the same way as our in-person therapy sessions, but from the convenience of your home. Learn more.
Depression Signs and Symptoms
Depression is a complex mental health condition with symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Learn what to look for and when to seek help.
Anxiety Signs and Symptoms
If anxious thoughts are causing unhealthy levels of fear or stress for anyone in your family, it may be time to reach out for help. Learn about treatment options to help you manage your symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Signs and Symptoms
Physical or emotional violence. A natural disaster. A serious accident. Experiencing or witnessing such harrowing ordeals can bring about symptoms of PTSD. Learn about trauma-informed approaches and counseling.
Help and Healing for Your Family
Learn how our uniquely designed programs offer a healing path for your family—with insight, connection and support to help you move forward, together.
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