Family Therapy in Albuquerque, NM
Less conflict, better communication, and a home that feels calmer for everyone. In person at our Albuquerque office or by telehealth anywhere in New Mexico.
We accept Presbyterian, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico and UnitedHealthcare, including their Medicaid (Turquoise Care) plans.
Family therapy at Rise Above
- Children as young as 3, teens, parents and whole families
- Family Systems, Structural Family Therapy, play therapy and more
- In person near Uptown or telehealth statewide
- Insurance and Medicaid accepted
- 4.7 stars from 125+ Google reviews
Family Therapy That Works With the Whole Family
When one person in a family is struggling, everyone feels it. Arguments repeat, kids shut down, parents disagree on how to handle it, and home starts to feel tense. Family therapy brings everyone into the same room, so the problem stops being "one person's issue" and becomes something the family works on together.
At Rise Above Therapy, our licensed therapists help Albuquerque families communicate more clearly, handle conflict without blowups, and support each other through big changes. Sessions can include the whole family, a parent and child, siblings, or co-parents, depending on what will help most.
Common Reasons Families Come to Therapy
- Constant arguing or tension at home
- A child or teen who is anxious, withdrawn, angry or acting out
- Parents who disagree on rules, discipline or expectations
- Divorce, separation, custody changes and co-parenting
- Blended families and new step-parent relationships
- Grief after the loss of a family member
- A move, new baby, job loss or other major change
- Supporting a family member with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression or trauma
- Rebuilding trust after a hard season
How Family Therapy Helps
Family therapy isn't about deciding who's right. It's about understanding the patterns that keep a family stuck and building new ones. Families often leave with:
- Clearer communication. Everyone learns to say what they need without it turning into a fight.
- Less conflict. Families learn what sets arguments off and how to calm things down.
- Stronger parent–child relationships. Parents get practical tools, and kids feel heard.
- A shared plan. Agreed-on routines, expectations and ways to handle the hard moments.
- Support through change. A steady place to work through divorce, blending families or loss together.
Our Approach to Family Therapy
Our family therapists use proven approaches and tailor them to your family:
Family Systems Therapy
Looks at how each person's actions affect everyone else, so changes stick across the whole family.
Structural Family Therapy
Helps families reset roles, rules and boundaries that aren't working.
CBT & DBT
Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapy teach family members to manage big emotions and respond in healthier ways.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Helps family members understand the different "parts" driving their reactions.
Play Therapy
Art, music and sandtray give young children a way to express what they can't yet put into words.
Gottman Method & Trauma-Informed Care
Support for parents whose relationship strain affects the whole family, and safe sessions for families who've been through loss or hard experiences.
Family Therapy for Young Children
Our therapists work with children as young as 3. For younger kids, sessions often use play, art, music and sandtray, because that's how children naturally process feelings. Parents are part of the work, learning how to support progress at home between sessions.
Related: Teen Therapy · Anxiety Therapy · Trauma Therapy
Divorce, Custody and Co-Parenting
Separation and custody changes reshape everything about how a family runs. Several of our therapists work with children and families navigating custody situations, co-parenting across two homes, and new blended families. We also see children and families involved with CYFD.
Sessions can include one or both parents, a parent and children, or a new partner, whatever fits the situation. If the main concern is the relationship between two partners, see Couples & Marriage Counseling.
Meet Our Family Therapists
Rachel Rutledge, LMHC
Works with individuals, couples and families across the lifespan, using Family Systems Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, CBT and DBT. In person and telehealth.
Ginger Rippey, LMHC
Works with children as young as 3, teens, adults, couples and families, using play therapy (art, music and sandtray), IFS, CBT, DBT and the Gottman Method. In person and telehealth.
Desiree Ortiz, LCSW
Brings a background in child welfare, including work with children and families at New Mexico CYFD. Sees children 10 and up, teens, adults and families. In person and telehealth.
Jessica Edge, LMHC
Works with children, teens, adults and families using CBT, DBT and trauma-informed care. In person and telehealth.
Aiden Morales, LMSW
Works with teens 14 and up, adults and families, with training in neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities. LGBTQIA+ affirming. Telehealth.
Jolene Jeffers, LMSW
Works with teens 14 and up, adults and families, including new parents. Telehealth.
What to Expect
Free consultation call
Tell us what's going on, and we'll check your insurance and match your family with the right therapist.
First session
Your therapist gets to know your family, what's been hard and what you want to change. Sometimes the first session is with parents only.
Ongoing sessions
Regular sessions focused on communication, conflict and the goals you set together, with tools to practice at home.
Why Families Choose Rise Above Therapy
- Licensed therapists experienced with young children, teens, couples and families
- In-person sessions at our Albuquerque office near Uptown, or telehealth anywhere in New Mexico
- Insurance accepted, including Presbyterian, BCBS and UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicaid plans
- 4.7 stars on Google from more than 125 reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Therapy
Does insurance cover family therapy?
Many plans cover family therapy when it's part of treatment for a family member. We accept Presbyterian, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico and UnitedHealthcare, including their Medicaid plans, and we'll verify your benefits before your first session.
Does the whole family have to come to every session?
No. Some sessions include everyone, others include just parents, a parent and child, or siblings. Your therapist will suggest what helps most at each stage.
What if a family member doesn't want to come?
That's common. Therapy can start with the people who are willing, and progress there often makes it easier for others to join later.
How young can children be?
Our therapists see children as young as 3, using play-based approaches with parents involved.
Can you help our kids through a divorce or custody change?
Yes. Several of our therapists work with children and families going through custody changes, co-parenting and blended-family transitions.
Can we do family therapy by telehealth?
Yes. Families anywhere in New Mexico can meet by secure video, and some families mix in-person and telehealth sessions.
How long does family therapy take?
It depends on what your family is working on. Some families see meaningful change in a few months; others continue longer through bigger transitions. Your therapist checks in on progress with you regularly.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a free consultation, and we'll match your family with the right therapist.
