Multidimensional Family Therapy
A comprehensive family-based treatment for adolescent substance use and behavioral problems that addresses the adolescent, parents, family interactions, and outside systems.
What Is Multidimensional Family Therapy?
Multidimensional family therapy is a comprehensive, developmentally informed family therapy model developed primarily for adolescent substance use and related behavioral problems, addressing multiple domains including the adolescent individually, parenting practices, family interactions, and involvement with outside systems such as school or juvenile justice.
How It Works
This model integrates individual, family, and systemic intervention strategies, working simultaneously across multiple domains believed to influence adolescent substance use and behavior. This description uses original explanatory language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Treatment typically includes individual sessions with the adolescent, individual sessions with parents, joint family sessions, and coordination with outside systems such as schools or courts, tailored to the specific needs identified.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research supports multidimensional family therapy for reducing adolescent substance use and related behavioral problems, with evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials.
Who May Benefit?
Multidimensional family therapy may be considered for families of adolescents with substance use concerns, particularly when co-occurring behavioral or family difficulties are also present.
Limitations and Considerations
This approach requires significant family engagement across multiple session types and may require coordination with external systems, adding complexity to treatment logistics.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Multidimensional family therapy is delivered by licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals with specific training in this model.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Multidimensional family therapy is typically delivered over approximately 4 to 6 months, though length varies by program and family needs.
Therapy vs. Medication
Multidimensional 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?
Related Therapy Types
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
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment.
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.