FAQs

How do I get the process started?

A TI process is typically initiated by one party and their attorney, by stipulation of both parties, or directly by the Court. However, Dr. DiCarlo must be appointed by the Court before any services begin.

Before requesting the Court’s appointment, it is essential to confirm Dr. DiCarlo’s availability, as he maintains a limited caseload to ensure quality attention to each family. There may be a waitlist.

For all inquiries, please contact Dr. DiCarlo’s forensic case manager, Kelli Benavides.

What should we expect if the Court has ordered “reunification”?

TI or COBI is often initiated for therapeutic reunification when there are parent–child contact problems. Dr. DiCarlo uses a structured, commitment-based approach that requires active engagement from both parents. Not all families are appropriate for reunification therapy, and alternative interventions may be necessary.

Before beginning, parents should be prepared to agree to the following:

• Continued contact with both parents is in the child(ren)’s best interest.

• Both caregivers will actively support and collaborate with the TI to promote healthy parent–child relationships.

• Parents will engage in co-parenting, guided by the interventionist’s recommendations.

Importantly, Dr. DiCarlo’s role is not to determine whether reunification should occur, but how and when it should be implemented, per the Court’s order.

If you are uncertain about the appropriateness of reunification, please consult with your attorney. Dr. DiCarlo’s services are not appropriate in cases involving active Orders of Protection without agreed-upon communication exceptions.

Dr. DiCarlo is available to discuss appropriate next steps with families and attorneys preparing for future TI work.

What does the process involve?

While every case differs, most TI processes include:

• 30-minute initial attorney consultation

• 60–90 minute intake interviews with each caregiver

• 30–60 minute intake interviews with each child

• 60-minute treatment planning meeting with co-parents/caregivers

• 3–6 hours for review of records and initial court update

• Weekly or biweekly therapy sessions (60–90 minutes)

• 1–3 hours/month for collateral contacts and coordination

• 1–3 hours/quarter for written court updates

• Participation in status conferences every 60–90 days

Note: Court testimony, if needed, is billed separately from these procedures.

How long does the process take?

TI timelines vary depending on family dynamics, complexity, and procedural factors. While some delays may occur due to litigation or scheduling, the process generally follows this timeline:

• First 30 days: Initial interviews and document review

• Next 3–4 months: Weekly or biweekly therapeutic work

• Following phase: Reduced frequency (e.g., monthly check-ins)

More complex cases may require extended involvement.

How should I communicate with Dr. DiCarlo?

To protect neutrality and fairness:

• Parents/litigants must not contact Dr. DiCarlo directly before the intervention begins.

• All procedural questions and scheduling should be directed to Kelli Benavides, forensic case manager.

• Do not send unsolicited records, documents, or case details unless specifically requested, and only when both parties or their representatives are informed or present.

What is the difference between a “TI” and a “COBI”?

TI and COBI serve similar court-appointed functions but differ in focus and structure:

• TI is broader and typically addresses therapeutic needs, including reunification in cases involving contact resistance or family breakdown.

• COBI is more directive and behaviorally focused, used when the Court has already made findings regarding parental fitness. It avoids re-litigating reunification and focuses instead on accountability and behavioral change.

TI may be misused if one or both parties are not truly committed to reunification. In such cases, Dr. DiCarlo will refer out the case, as an evaluation is more appropriate than therapy.

Both TI and COBI provide structured, court-informed guidance for complex family dynamics. Dr. DiCarlo applies similar principles to both but only engages when all parties agree on the intervention’s purpose.