Photo of Elizabeth J Mitchell, PhD, ARNP, ND, Psychiatric Nurse
Elizabeth J Mitchell
Psychiatric Nurse, PhD, ARNP, ND
Verified Verified
Spokane, WA 99205
It is one of my greatest joys to see each of my client's life restored and improved. I consider this work my life's calling. I have expertise with a variety of mental-health conditions including: Mood Disorders (Bipolar Disorder / Depression); Anxiety Disorders; Grieving; and various life adjustments. I am Nationally Board Certified to do individual, marital, and family counseling as well as prescribe psychiatric medication. I do enjoy helping people with chronic health conditions and also am a certified naturopath to work with diet, herbs, and supplements which I can incorporate into treatment if the client desires.
It is one of my greatest joys to see each of my client's life restored and improved. I consider this work my life's calling. I have expertise with a variety of mental-health conditions including: Mood Disorders (Bipolar Disorder / Depression); Anxiety Disorders; Grieving; and various life adjustments. I am Nationally Board Certified to do individual, marital, and family counseling as well as prescribe psychiatric medication. I do enjoy helping people with chronic health conditions and also am a certified naturopath to work with diet, herbs, and supplements which I can incorporate into treatment if the client desires.
(509) 592-4249 View (509) 592-4249
Photo of Marco Rudas-Garcia, BSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Marco Rudas-Garcia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Spokane, WA 99205  (Online Only)
Outside of work, I enjoy sports, exploring the outdoors, and going on road trips with my family.
Hello! My name is Marco Rudas-Garcia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Utah and subsequently earned a master's degree in nursing from Gonzaga University. My professional experience includes working in surgical trauma units and psychiatric units, and I have experience in caring for developmentally delayed populations with mental illness. Additionally, I have worked at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, providing care to veterans. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA2S+ affirming care, and various other mental health needs.
Outside of work, I enjoy sports, exploring the outdoors, and going on road trips with my family.
Hello! My name is Marco Rudas-Garcia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Utah and subsequently earned a master's degree in nursing from Gonzaga University. My professional experience includes working in surgical trauma units and psychiatric units, and I have experience in caring for developmentally delayed populations with mental illness. Additionally, I have worked at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, providing care to veterans. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA2S+ affirming care, and various other mental health needs.
(360) 288-4591 View (360) 288-4591
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.