| ID | 34 |
| ProgramTitle | BRIEF STRATEGIC FAMILY THERAPY (BSFT) |
| ProgramDescription | Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) is an empirically-validated and culturally competent problem-focused therapeutic intervention that targets children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years, and their families. The program is family-based and aims to improve behavior problems, such as drug use and related risky behavior and maladaptive family interactions. Therapy is based on the assumption that each family has unique characteristics that emerge when family members interact, and that this family system influences all members of the family. BSFT targets the interaction patterns that are directly related to the child's behavior problems and establishes a practical plan to help the family develop more effective patterns of interaction. The therapeutic process uses techniques of Joining, Diagnosis, and Restructuring. Targeted risk factors include: early drug use; high-risk peer group; bullying and other aggressive behaviors; truancy; co-morbid conditions; learning disability or emotional disturbances; and misbehavior. |
| ProgramOutcomes | • Reduces association with antisocial peers
• Reduces substance abuse, particularly marijuana abuse
• Reduces acting-out behavioral problems
• Increases attitude shift from negative to positive
• Increases family participation in therapy |
| Other | Ages: 6 – 17
Gender: Male and Female
Ethnicity: Originally targeted for Hispanic and African-American families, has evolved to include all ethnic groups
Target Setting: Family clinic, mental health clinic, family home, community social services agency |
| KeyStrategies | • Family strengthening
• Family therapy
• Behavioral Intervention
• Life skills development |
| TimeRequired | • Family sessions: an average of 12 – 17 (weekly) sessions, each 60 – 90 minutes
• BSFT Certification course for a group of four to six therapists: nine days of workshops with 16 – 24 supervision sessions, over a period of several months |
| ResourcesNeeded | • BSFT Certified therapists
• Program materials
• Audio-visual devices for taping family sessions |
| ProgramCost | • BSFT Certification Training Program= $13,000 – $15,000 per therapist for year one
• Required re-certification years two and three = $500 per therapist |
| CostBreakdown | Training costs vary depending on trainee's experience and advancement through the course, as follows:
Year 1
Initial Certification = $13,000 – $15,000/therapist, includes supervision sessions, Certification Panel, travel, manual, handouts and all learning materials. Training is conducted at client's site in a group setting of 4 to 6 therapists.
Years 2 and 3
Recertification = $500/therapist
Adherence Monitoring (highly encouraged) = $225/therapist/month. |
| PContact | Olga E. Heavies, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. |
| PTitle | Model Developer & Executive Director |
| PAddress1 | Family Therapy Training Institute of Miami |
| PAddress2 | 1221 Brickell Ave, 9th Floor |
| PCity | Miami |
| PState | FL |
| PZip | 33131- |
| PEMail | ohervis@bsft-av.com |
| PPhone | (888) 527-3828 |
| PFax | (786) 953-8404 |
| PURL | www.bsft-av.com#http://www.bsft-av.com# |