Frequently Asked Questions

High conflict typically refers to an individual or relationship that displays one or all of the following four characteristics: 

1. preoccupation with blaming others or feeling like a victim; 
2. all-or-nothing thinking and solutions; 
3. unmanaged intense emotions; and, 
4. extreme behavior and/or threats. 

High conflict is not a diagnosis, but rather a description of conflictual behaviors. 

A high conflict custody case is defined as involving one or both parents who habitually initiate and escalate the conflict. High conflict characteristics may consist of, but are not limited to, excessive criticism, implied or direct threats of litigation, triangulating children into parent conflict, lack of motivation to negotiate solutions to minor conflicts and/or harassment-type behaviors.

Normally, even when tempers are high, there are a wide variety of conflict-resolution strategies to make things right—or at least fair! Unfortunately, many times these common strategies do not work with high-conflict cases so a different approach is required. An effective approach can only be made by a specially trained high-conflict provider or an ally.

Yes, working with high conflict dynamics is a specialty and providers need to have extensive training in the following areas:

• Teaching conflict resolution and relationship skills to reduce conflict, including high-conflict co-parenting communication skills
• Family systems, attachment theory, and trauma-based models of treatment
• Experience working with personality disorders and an ability to maintain strong boundaries under pressure
• Expert opinion regarding a parent or child’s psychological functioning over time, progress, or lack thereof
• Relationship dynamics 
• Positive coping skills
• Child development
• Co-parenting progress
• Characteristics of divorcing/separated families and children 
• The impact of high interparental conflict on post-separation custody arrangements
• Characteristics and needs of special populations who may be involved in treatment
• Ethical issues and applicable local legal standards
• Child interviewing and suggestibility 
• Children’s decision-making ability, including appropriate means of understanding children’s abilities and interpreting expressed preferences or opinions 
• Factors in divorcing families that increase risk to children, or promote resilience in children 
• Understanding of ‘Confounded Belief Systems’ and ‘Shared Delusional Beliefs’
• Domestic violence 
• Child abuse and child welfare 
• High conflict dynamics, including risks to children from exposure of pathogenic parenting
• Special needs issues, including medical issues, psychiatric diagnoses, substance abuse, learning or educational problems, developmental delays, etc. 
• Ethnic, cultural, and sexual orientation differences among families 

Yes, the HCRC provider should maintain knowledge and familiarity with legal information and issues related to court-involved therapy, including, but not limited to: 

• Statutes and local Court rules in the therapist’s jurisdiction
• Case precedents relevant to court-involved treatment 
• Interactions and potential conflicts between governing mental health practice and family Court expectations or family law statutes 
• Ethical and professional guidelines and standards applicable to the role of the CIT, obtaining ethics consultation as appropriate 
• Circumstances under which it may be necessary or appropriate for the therapist to consult an attorney 

The HCRC provider should seek appropriate consultations when issues arise that are outside of their expertise. This can be by obtaining a professional case consultation or can be referring your case to an HCRC ally who specializes in the area necessary to provide you with the best standard of care. 

The HCRC provider also utilizes continuing education and professional development resources to maintain current knowledge of issues relevant to court-involved treatment. 

The HCRC provider may also gain some of the required knowledge through experience and consultation with colleagues; however, clinical experience should not be a substitute for knowledge of the underlying science, relevant research, legal issues, and standards of best practice. 

No, insurance is for medically necessary care and because courts are typically involved in high-conflict custody cases it is no longer considered a medical or therapeutic need but has now become a legal need. As a result, this is an out-of-pocket expense. Rates vary depending on specific services. 

HCRC registered providers may offer the mentioned services in accordance with the HCRC recommendation that providers set rates commensurate with their qualifications. 

In most cases, HCRC providers may request a retainer that will not exceed the hourly rate specified according to their internal policies.

Typically a stipulation and order or a court-ordered referral is recommended prior to beginning services as research shows motivation for compliance, and the likelihood of successful outcomes, are improved if participation is mandatory.

If there is no court order you can still locate our provider list here.