Court-appointed therapy—often referred to as Therapeutic Intervention (TI)—is designed to help stabilize families and support healthy change in the wake of high-conflict or disruptive circumstances such as litigation, parental relocation, estrangement, substance use, or child maltreatment. TI is a general term; the specific goals and structure are defined in the court’s appointment order.

Depending on the needs of the family, the intervention may focus on areas such as reunification, co-parenting therapy, or other targeted therapeutic goals. Unlike traditional therapy, court-ordered treatment has limited confidentiality. The therapist functions as an extension of the Court and provides updates and reports to the judge and attorneys involved.

A Court-Ordered Behavioral Intervention (COBI) is a court-appointed role designed to help families implement their parenting plan when ordered time-sharing is not occurring. It’s typically used in cases where both caregivers have been deemed fit, but the family remains stuck in conflict or non-compliance.

Unlike Therapeutic Intervention (TI), which focuses on clinical treatment goals, COBI takes a more behavioral approach. It emphasizes accountability, structured follow-through, and practical problem-solving. The COBI process is time-limited, more directive in nature, and involves frequent updates to the Court. It is especially useful in cases involving estrangement, alienation, or entrenched family polarization.

Finding the right therapist is a personal and often challenging process. Positive outcomes often depend as much on the client–therapist fit as on the therapist’s training or experience. Clients are encouraged to seek a therapeutic relationship where they feel understood, supported, and empowered.

Dr. DiCarlo’s approach is grounded in his training as a counseling psychologist, with a strong focus on the therapeutic process and relationship. He draws from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassionate Bereavement Care (CBC). Regardless of the method, he prioritizes building a meaningful and effective connection with each client.

A Comprehensive Family Evaluation (CFE) is a court-ordered, in-depth assessment designed to assist the Court in making determinations about parenting time and legal decision-making.

The evaluation typically includes clinical interviews with caregivers, children, and relevant collateral sources; psychological testing; home visits; record reviews; and behavioral observations. CFEs are especially valuable in high-conflict custody cases involving complex concerns such as child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, substance use, or questions about a caregiver’s psychological functioning.

A Focus Assessment (FA) is a court-ordered, limited-scope evaluation intended to help the Court answer one or two specific questions related to a family member in a family court matter.

Compared to a Comprehensive Family Evaluation, FAs are narrower in scope and may involve clinical interviews, record reviews, and interaction observations. Psychological testing may be included if relevant to the referral question. Because FAs do not include a full analysis of all statutory factors, they do not provide specific recommendations regarding legal decision-making or parenting time schedules.

A Psychological Evaluation is a court-ordered or privately requested assessment focused on an individual’s mental health and psychological functioning. It is often used to address specific diagnostic or clinical questions related to a caregiver or party in a family court matter.

The evaluation typically includes an in-person clinical interview, psychological testing using empirically supported instruments, and a review of relevant records or collateral information. When appropriate, the report may include diagnostic impressions and offer practical, evidence-based treatment recommendations.

A Parenting Conference is a non-confidential, court-ordered process designed to assist the Court in gathering information relevant to legal decision-making and parenting time. The conference is guided by the best interest factors outlined in A.R.S. §25-403.

Both parents typically participate, and attorneys may attend if permitted by the Court. In some cases, the child may also be interviewed if the evaluator determines it is appropriate. The goal is to provide the Court with a brief, neutral summary of relevant issues to inform temporary or final orders.

Dr. DiCarlo has been qualified as an expert witness in family and juvenile court in dozens of cases annually. He frequently provides testimony on custody-related matters, including parent–child contact problems, parental alienation, and questions of parental fitness. His testimony is informed by clinical expertise, forensic evaluation, and a deep understanding of family court dynamics.