Functional Family Therapy (FFT)  is a short-term evidence-based intervention proven to improve child-parent relationships, resolve behavioral issues, and strengthen family dynamics.

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Wellroot therapists partner with the family to set goals which will be followed and reassessed throughout the treatment process. This treatment aims to engage each member of the family, and ensure that everyone feels heard and supported.

Together, families work through three defined phases of FFT treatment:

Our therapists provide psychoeducation so each family member can address acute problems, alleviate situations on their own, and strengthen family bonds. Upon completion of the program, children and parents will have acquired tools to address and resolve negative behaviors, and are prepared for continued stability and independence.

FFT Referral Form

Target Population

The program is for at-risk youth ages 11 to 18 and has been applied in a variety of multiethnic, multicultural contexts to treat a range of youths and their families.

The target population are generally at risk for delinquency, violence, substance use, or other behavioral problems such as Conduct Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

Referrals may be made by:

• The school system
• DFCS
• Juvenile/family court
• Foster Families
• MAAC Permanency Plan
• Self Referral

How does FFT Work?

• Once a family engages with Wellroot, they are matched with a therapist, who partners with the family to set goals for positive change.
• The duration of treatment is based upon each family’s rate of progress but typically lasts 3-6 months.
• Therapists provide psychoeducation so each family member can address acute problems, alleviate situations on their own, and strengthen family bonds.
• Families complete the program when goals are met. If necessary, additional resources or referrals can be shared as the family nears the end of treatment.

For families who have a child, adolescent, or young adult who is struggling with significant mental health and/or complex behavioral health issues, we have a team that can provide a more advanced level of care.

Therapists work with the whole family to help them learn how to manage their child’s mental health/behavioral health and is effective in reducing further hospitalization, ER visits and/or referrals to residential treatment programs.

Target referrals may:

• Be clients recently discharged from hospital (minimum of 1 ER visit).
• Have a pattern of hospitalization or is at high risk of being hospitalized due to mental health symptoms, behaviors, or undiagnosed or unmedicated mental health concerns.
• Be clients who have been in various treatments without much improvement in status for at least 6 months and who are at risk of in-patient or other residential settings.