Functional Family Therapy

Posted byRatel Health
Evidence-based mental health content, reviewed by psychologists and psychiatrists
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Autism Spectrum DisorderBipolar I DisorderObsessive-Compulsive DisorderPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Functional Family Therapy

Evidence Status: Evidence-supported

Medically reviewed · Dr. Sarah Whitfield, PsyD · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A structured family therapy model for adolescents with behavioral or conduct-related difficulties, focusing on improving family communication and problem-solving.

What Is Functional Family Therapy?

Functional family therapy is a structured, phased family therapy model developed primarily for adolescents with behavioral difficulties, including conduct problems and involvement with the juvenile justice system, focusing on improving family communication, reducing conflict, and building problem-solving skills.

How It Works

This model progresses through defined phases: engaging and motivating the family, changing problematic behavioral and communication patterns, and generalizing new skills to prevent relapse. It emphasizes understanding the function that problem behaviors serve within the family system. This description uses original explanatory language.

What Happens During Therapy?

Sessions involve the family meeting together with the therapist, working through structured phases addressing engagement, behavior change, and skill generalization, with attention to each family member’s perspective and needs.

Evidence and Effectiveness

Research supports functional family therapy for reducing recidivism and behavioral problems in adolescents, particularly those involved with juvenile justice systems, with evidence from multiple studies.

Who May Benefit?

Functional family therapy may be considered for families of adolescents with significant behavioral or conduct-related difficulties, particularly when family conflict is a contributing factor.

Limitations and Considerations

This approach requires family engagement and availability for structured sessions, and is specifically designed for adolescent behavioral concerns rather than broader family issues.

Finding a Qualified Therapist

Functional family therapy is delivered by licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals with specific certification in this model.

How Long Does Therapy Take?

Functional family therapy is typically delivered over approximately 12 to 30 sessions across several months, depending on family needs and program structure.

Therapy vs. Medication

Functional family therapy is a family-based behavioral intervention; medication may be considered for co-occurring conditions in consultation with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional.

What Conditions Is It Used For?

Conduct Disorder

A childhood or adolescent condition involving a repetitive pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A childhood-onset condition involving a persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, or vindictiveness toward authority figures.

Related Therapy Types

Multisystemic Therapy (MST)

An intensive, community- and home-based treatment for adolescents with serious behavioral problems that addresses family, school, peer, and community systems.

Family Therapy

A therapeutic approach that involves family members together to address relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and how family functioning affects individual wellbeing.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
  • American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.