Summit Family Support - Mental Health Assessments for Family Systems

Family Systems Assessments

Does family therapy work?  Can our family as a whole heal from struggles that perhaps are more pronounced in one family member?

The short answer is YES.

The long answer is, we want to show you what’s working.  With an in-depth family assessment, we will capture a snap shot of a family system’s functioning.  Then reassess, to help families and therapeutic professionals make data-driven decisions in their family’s treatment.

Our assessment battery uses a variety of validated and normed measures, in addition to a clinical interview, to establish the healthy and unhealthy aspects of a family system.  

We will look at:

  • Communication
  • Boundaries
  • Dyadic relationships
  • Cohesion
  • Family roles
  • Family history
  • Cultural, racial, gender and spiritual influences
  • Stress levels
  • Problematic topics of discussion

 

We then create a dynamic document that illustrates the information in a simple, yet highly visual way.  Utilizing the advances in data presentation, we display information in a way that makes sense to those who love data and those who don’t. 

We work collaboratively with families and treatment professionals to evaluate and recommend strategies to improve family functioning and satisfaction.   And we use reassessment as a tool to highlight what’s working and what isn’t.  

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How does it work?

We begin our process by connecting with and gathering information from the family.  We will administer the assessment measurements electronically.  Then we will conduct a video family interview, to be able to see the family in action.  

We evaluate all the data collected and create a dynamic report.  We will go over the report in-depth with the family and any treating professionals.  

Within 12 months, we will reassess the family 2 additional times and provide an updated report each time.  We will continue to work collaboratively with the family and the treating professionals as they navigate the family healing process.  

This whole process may be done even if a child is currently in a therapeutic program, including wilderness therapy programs. 

Kjrstin J. Walters, LMFT

Marriage and Family Therapist

With experience in therapeutic programs spanning almost 2 decades, Kjrstin (KJ) has expertise and understanding working with adolescents, young adults, and their parents.  With the benefit of working in both wilderness and residential programs, Kjrstin understands the needs of a struggling child and the overwhelm and strain on the parents in supporting that child.  With a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapist, trained in systemic family work, Kjrstin is passionate about healing families.  

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Areas of Expertise

Specifically trained in working with family systems, Kjrstin has extensive experience in helping families work together to overcome family and individual struggles.  

  • Mood & Anxiety Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • Failure to Launch & Other Life Transition Struggles
  • Addictions
  • Strained Family Relationships
  • Trauma & Family Trauma
  • ADHD & Executive Functioning
  • Self Harm & Suicidality
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“After years of trying what felt like every type of therapy that is out there, I was left feeling lost. I was discouraged to keep reaching out for help until I became a patient of Kjrstin’s. With her years of experience in wilderness therapy, she brought a direct and encouraging approach to the table, allowing her to meet me where I was in the healing process. I have never felt more heard and validated in a therapy session. With her compassion, I was able to take control of my narrative. My favorite part of working with Kjrstin was having her as an advocate on my side while working through family therapy. For the first time ever, my family and I have a healthy relationship – that would not be the case without Kjrstin.”
― Young Adult ―former client
"Kjrstin is a seasoned clinician who embodies many of the necessary qualities needed in this profession such as a non-judgmental attitude as well as an accepting and patient demeanor. Her passion for the work is evident through her creative and unique approach to each client. She clearly has a deep understanding of Family Systems work yet she has a relaxed, sometimes humorous and relatable manner in conversation. I have seen Kjrstin put in the extra hours to prepare and execute top notch trainings, interventions and therapy sessions. She is a natural at collaborating with others and values individuals and their differences.
― Therapist, Arizona ―former co-worker
"Kjrstin Walters is stellar, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better resource with more experience. Kjrstin has a gift for engaging a wide variety of individuals and situations in a professional and approachable manner. Kjrstin is energetic and sophisticated, and able to intervene at the heart of the issues. I wholeheartedly recommend her! "
― Nevin Alderman ―Founder and Clinical Director, Renew Relationship Counseling
"Kjrstin worked with our program as a primary therapist and was a professional at every level.   She gets young people and has a way of connecting with them that works.  She is easy going and knowledgable which allows her to facilitate difficult conversations.  She’s a standout when it comes to family dynamics and the complexities that come from that."
― Andrew Taylor ―Founder & Executive Director, Pure Life Adventure and Octagon Mentoring
I have worked with KJ in a variety of settings. What sets her apart is that she is so down to earth. KJ has such excellent clinical skills, but it's her ability to connect with young people and her families that sets her apart. One of the things I enjoy most about working with KJ is that nothing seems to rattle her! She is just even-keeled with every situation, and it's frankly comforting to be around her.
– Psychologist, Utah–
"KJ is a delight to work with, providing a great combination of sophistication, insightfulness and playfulness, candid yet with finesse. As a consultant, it's important to have a good flow of communication with the treatment team and in addition to her clinical skills, she is also a terrific collaborator."
― Education Consultant ―
Having worked with KJ for almost 2 years, I was able to witness her in action during therapeutic sessions with clients. She is an exceptional therapist who is able to positively impact family dynamics and facilitate positive interactions between family members. KJ is able to break down more sophisticated psychological and therapeutic terminology and concepts into language that anyone can understand. She draws on her vast experience and knowledge to help educate others who may be in unfamiliar territory. I appreciate every training I received from her and walked away from each one with a better understanding of different psychological disorders and therapeutic techniques.
― Carolyn Lee ―former co-worker
"Kjrstin effortlessly has the ability to help clients confront their problems and learn to implement change through collaborative problem solving and the practice of self-compassion. She is an advocate for her clients and a utilitarian in the larger family system. Frequently, I have witnessed parents praise her for helping them better understand their children while helping create a bridge from chaos to hope. You're in good hands working with Kjrstin, for you don't have to go at it alone. "
– Therapist, Oregon –former co-worker
KJ, whom I have known many years, is not only a skilled and thoughtful clinician, but also an exceptionally warm and relatable woman with a passion for helping others. She navigates complex and challenging clinical situations with grace and adapts her approach to best suit the needs of each client and family with whom she works. Her admirable quest for self-betterment, both in her career and personal life, reveal her patient, determined, and open nature and these traits make KJ uniquely suited to support her clients and their families.
– Psychologist, Utah–