Functional Family Therapy:
A Highly Effective Approach to Improving Family Functioning
The Eckerd Functional Family Therapy Program is a short-term, in-home, evidence-based therapeutic intervention program for youth ages 10 – 18 and their families that is highly effective in improving family functioning.  

Youth served typically are at risk for and/or presenting with delinquency, violence, substance use, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Disruptive Behavior Disorder and Depression. Treatment, however, involves the entire family.

Enrollment Requirements
Referrals are made by Juvenile Services based on a comprehensive internal screening, by court order or through other authorized juvenile authorities responsible for place of youth in Juvenile Services treatment programming.

Services are provided in the families’ homes in Dallas County .

Program Outcomes

• Enhanced family functioning
• Improved school attendance and performance
• Improved coping, communication, anger management and dispute resolution skills for both youth and parents
• Greater access to community support services

Clinical Interventions
Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is the foundation for clinical interventions utilized. FFT is a highly effective, and well-documented therapeutic intervention for improving family function, parenting skills, coping and communication skills, reducing family violence, anger management, substance use and other acting out behaviors. FFT is one of only eleven programs nationwide recognized by Blueprints for Violence Prevention as a Model Program.

Youth and families will be seen at least once per week and, on average, will receive from 8 to 12 counseling sessions. Up to 30 direct sessions may be provided for more challenging family situations.