Photo of James Luzano, Psychiatrist in 90210, CA
James Luzano
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Dealing with mental illness or struggling with an addiction can be challenging for many of us. Having both can almost seem insurmountable. It can also be hard to ask for help, but if you are here you are taking an important step. I can work with you in dealing with these challenges. I am board-certified in both general and addiction psychiatry and provide treatment specifically tailored for each person. Through diagnostic assessment and clarification, medication management, psychotherapy, and other modalities, I can help build a treatment plan that works for you.
Dealing with mental illness or struggling with an addiction can be challenging for many of us. Having both can almost seem insurmountable. It can also be hard to ask for help, but if you are here you are taking an important step. I can work with you in dealing with these challenges. I am board-certified in both general and addiction psychiatry and provide treatment specifically tailored for each person. Through diagnostic assessment and clarification, medication management, psychotherapy, and other modalities, I can help build a treatment plan that works for you.
(310) 307-3063 View (310) 307-3063
Family Therapy Psychiatrists

What do family therapists do?

A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?

Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?

Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.