Functional Family Therapy (FFT) in Michigan | Counseling & Psychology

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) in Michigan is a short-term, evidence-based family counseling program for teens and their caregivers. It is made for families who feel “stuck” in constant arguing, school trouble, anger, or risky choices—and don’t know what to do next. FFT helps you lower conflict, build trust, and create clear plans that work at home, at school, and in the community. If you are worried your child may get worse without support, FFT offers a structured path forward.

Signs You Might Benefit

Many families wait until problems feel “too big.” You do not have to. FFT can help when day-to-day life feels tense, unsafe, or out of control.

• Frequent fights at home that end in yelling, threats, or shut-down.
• School concerns like skipping, failing grades, behavior referrals, or bullying.
• Defiant or risky behavior such as breaking rules, sneaking out, or unsafe peers.
• Substance use worries (vaping, alcohol, cannabis) or repeated lies to cover it up.
• Legal or probation involvement or fear that it may happen soon.
• Stress after major changes (divorce, new partner in the home, move, job loss, grief).
• Caregiver burnout—feeling exhausted, hopeless, or like “nothing works.”

FFT is not about blaming a teen or a parent. It focuses on patterns in the whole family system. Families often report these benefits:

• Less conflict and fewer blowups.
• Clearer rules and follow-through that feel fair and doable.
• Better communication—more listening, less arguing.
• Stronger teamwork between caregivers and other supports (school, probation, doctors).
• More safety at home, with a plan for hard moments.

Evidence-Based Approach

FFT is a structured model that has been studied with youth who have behavior challenges, family conflict, and justice-system risk. The heart of FFT is simple: when relationships improve and skills improve, behavior improves too. Treatment is active and practical—less “talk only,” more problem-solving and practice.

Core parts of Functional Family Therapy

• Engagement & motivation: We build trust, lower shame, and help each person feel heard. This is important when families feel judged or tired of “systems.”
• Relational change: We strengthen respect, reduce blaming, and change the conflict cycle. Families learn how to slow things down and repair after a fight.
• Behavior change & skill-building: We teach and practice skills like clear requests, limits, privileges, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
• Generalization: We help skills “stick” across settings—home, school, work, and community—so progress lasts.

Clinical reasoning (why FFT works for many families)

Teens do best when they have strong structure, supportive relationships, and predictable consequences. FFT targets the daily patterns that keep problems going—like unclear rules, mixed messages between caregivers, or conflict that escalates fast. We also look at strengths you already have, because that is where change starts.

Evidence and standards we follow

FFT is recognized in many communities as an evidence-based intervention for youth with behavior and conduct concerns. Our clinical work follows mainstream mental health standards for evidence-based care, including using structured assessment, clear goals, and ongoing progress checks. We also align with Michigan licensing and ethical practice standards for providers such as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW), Licensed Psychologists, and marriage and family therapists, including scope of practice, confidentiality rules, and mandated reporting requirements.

For general background on evidence-based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents, see the American Psychological Association’s information on evidence-based practice and psychotherapy outcomes (American Psychological Association, 2006), and NIH resources on children’s mental health and behavior (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.).

What to Expect

FFT is typically time-limited and goal-focused. Sessions may happen in-office or through secure telehealth, depending on clinical fit and availability. We work with the whole family system, which often includes a teen and at least one caregiver. When it helps, we may include siblings or other important adults.

Step 1: Intake and first steps

We start with an intake to understand what is happening and what you want to change. You can expect:

• Private, respectful interviews with caregivers and the teen (together and/or separately, as clinically appropriate).
• Safety screening for self-harm risk, aggression risk, substance risks, and home safety concerns.
• History review (school, behavior, medical/mental health, past services, strengths).
• Clear goals written in plain language (example: “reduce fights from daily to 1–2 times/week”).

Step 2: Regular FFT sessions

Most families meet weekly at first. Sessions are active and practical. We may role-play hard conversations, build a home plan, and practice emotion and conflict skills. We focus on small steps that make a big difference.

• Length: Often 50–60 minutes per session (some programs vary).
• Tools: Communication coaching, parenting support, problem-solving steps, and behavior plans.
• Homework (small and doable): One or two practice tasks between sessions, like a 5-minute calm check-in or a new rule with a clear reward.

Step 3: Coordinating with schools and other systems

With signed consent, we can coordinate care with schools, probation, primary care, psychiatry, or case managers. This helps reduce mixed messages and keeps everyone working toward the same goals.

Confidentiality and safety

Michigan-licensed clinicians protect your privacy. There are also legal limits to confidentiality, such as when there is risk of harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect, or a court order. We will explain these rules clearly at the start.

Insurance

Many families use insurance for FFT-style family therapy services when covered by their plan and medically necessary. Coverage depends on your insurer, your benefits, and the diagnosis used for billing.

Costs you may see

• Copay: A set amount you pay each visit (example: $20–$60), based on your plan.
• Deductible: The amount you may need to pay before benefits kick in.
• Coinsurance: A percentage you may pay after the deductible (example: 10%–30%).

Mental health parity (why coverage can be better than you expect)

Many plans must follow mental health parity rules, meaning mental health benefits should be similar to medical benefits in key ways. This does not guarantee coverage, but it can support fair access to care. We can help you verify benefits and explain your estimated out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins when possible.

Documentation and authorizations

Some insurers require prior authorization or a treatment plan. We may use progress measures and clear goals to support continued coverage. If coverage is denied, we can often help with information needed for an appeal, depending on the payer’s rules.

FAQ

Is FFT only for teens in trouble with the law?

No. FFT is often used when there is legal risk, but it can also help families facing school problems, anger, substance use concerns, or constant conflict at home. The key is that the family wants change and is willing to practice new skills.

Do both parents or caregivers have to attend?

It helps when key caregivers attend, but we can start with whoever is available and safe to involve. If caregivers live in separate homes, we will talk through the best plan and keep the teen’s needs and safety at the center.

How long does Functional Family Therapy take?

FFT is designed to be time-limited. Many families complete treatment in a few months, depending on goals, risk level, and consistency with sessions. Your clinician will review progress often and adjust the plan as needed.

What if our family is in crisis right now?

If there is immediate danger (for example, threats with a weapon, severe violence, or imminent self-harm), call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department. FFT can support safety planning and stabilization, but emergencies need urgent, in-person crisis help.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2006). Evidence-based practice in psychology. American Psychologist, 61(4), 271–285.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Child and adolescent mental health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov