Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT)

Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) offers an evidence-based approach to treating adolescents with behavioral and substance use disorders. Teams of clinical therapists and behavioral health specialists provide intensive, community-based services that include therapy for the adolescent, as well as for their parent(s) and family members. These services are supplemented with case management and additional support.

Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) is a home and community-based program serving drug-abusing or high-risk adolescents ages 12-17 with disruptive behaviors (such as running away, shoplifting, and truancy from school).

Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) Brochure - English

Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) Brochure - Spanish

MDFT Components

MDFT staff members provide intensive therapy and case management services that focus on four domains:

Individual

Increase motivation and provide the skills needed to establish and maintain healthy relationships.

Family

Conflict resolution and improving communication and problem-solving skills.

Parents

Improving parenting skills, parental health, and well-being.

Extra-Familial

Linking the family to needed services that reduce anxiety and stress so that the family can focus on therapy-related issues.

Length of Services

MDFT is intensive but time-limited. Families are seen on an average of 6-8 hours per week, and services last typically between 4-6 months.

Other Services and Support

Other MDFT program services include an after-hours/weekend crisis line. Also, clients are regularly tested for drug use. In addition, family sessions are usually videotaped to ensure program quality and for staff training purposes.

Costs

This program accepts Medi-Cal and patient fees (based on a State Standardized Fee Schedule) for people without insurance. The program does not accept private insurance or Medicare.

Staffing

MDFT staff members consist of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT), Behavioral Health Specialists (BHS), and Community Service Assistants (CSA). All clinical staff providing direct service are licensed by the State of California or are licensure wavered.

Locations