Family Service Clinic, Middlesex Probate and Family Court

The Family Service Clinic is a mental health clinic with offices in both the Middlesex Probate and Family Court and the District Court in Cambridge, one mile from Massachusetts General Hospital. The Clinic staff performs comprehensive evaluations of families following parental separation in which custody and visitation of minor children are disputed issues. These evaluations focus on the needs, interests and welfare of the child, in the context of conflicted parental relationships. Children evaluated range in age from under 1 year to 18 and come from a diverse spectrum of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Residents’ responsibilities include extended interviews with all family members and the completion of a report containing observations, a formulation and recommendations. Residents may participate in Court hearings, during which their findings will be presented as oral testimony. Residents will have opportunities for observation of Family Court proceedings and collaboration with lawyers, probation officers and judges. Residents may elect a six month or longer rotation of half to one full day per week. Members of the Family Service Clinic staff (one child psychiatrist, three psychologists, one psychologist/ lawyer, two social workers, one administrative assistant) provide weekly clinical supervision to residents.