Functional Family Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the FFT LLC FAQ page. Whether you're a service provider, agency administrator, potential partner, or simply curious about our work, this page is designed to provide clear answers to the most common questions we receive about our evidence-based models and implementation process.
At FFT LLC, we offer specialized training and certification in adaptations of the Functional Family Therapy model: Functional Family Therapy (FFT), FFT-Child Welfare (FFT-CW), Functional Family Probation/Parole (FFP), and our add-on program: FFT-Gang (FFT-G). Learn more about each of these distinct programs below.
This FAQ covers a range of topics including eligibility, training structure, certification timelines, virtual learning options, ongoing support, and fidelity monitoring.
Whether you're exploring how FFT LLC can support your community or you're preparing for implementation, we’re here to guide you. If your question isn’t answered here, we encourage you to contact us directly for more information.
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How many therapists can one onsite supervisor support?
One FFT site supervisor can support up to a team of eight. This includes the site supervisor.
What is a typical caseload?
FFT should be implemented with a team of 3-8 master's level therapists, with caseloads of 10-12 families each.
The site supervisor is also required to carry a caseload. Site supervisors may reduce their caseloads to meet the requirements of the position; however, this caseload must be a minimum of five active cases at all times.
How accessible do FFT clinicians need to be after-hours?
For extenuating clinical issues or those situations that impact agency policy and procedure, FFT would expect that the agency has a designated supervisor or other processes to address after-hours issues.
Early phase interventions address crisis via the model. However, it is not a requirement of the
model to offer 24/7 access to the FFT therapist. Most agencies are required to provide after-hours crisis service.
How often do FFT therapists meet (via virtual formats) with an FFT consultant?
The FFT national consultant will talk to the therapists weekly via virtual format. This call typically occurs at the same time each week. Consultation includes general topics, such as issues around documentation or caseloads, and moves into being more clinical, utilizing the FFT model of supervision and staffing of cases. The weekly call is considered a requirement for site certification, so attendance is mandatory.
How close to the families (in geographic terms) must the FFT therapist be?
Since the risk in the early stages of treatment with families is dropout, FFT therapists meet with families based on risk factors and family needs. Distance should not be a reason why a therapist doesn’t meet with a family. Thus, a site must consider whether the geography a therapist covers will allow them to still be responsive to families, particularly in early sessions. If not, dropout will increase and outcomes will diminish. FFT is used in very rural and remote areas of the world, as well as in the center of large and diverse urban communities.
Are there any mandatory qualifications or experience required to become an FFT therapist or supervisor (apart from FFT training)?
FFT’s recommendation is to use at least master’s level therapists unless extraordinary circumstances require the use of bachelor's level therapists. It is the responsibility of the provider to meet or exceed local licensure and certification requirements. Any person trained as an FFT supervisor must have a minimum of a master’s degree, have completed all Phase I training, have seen two cycles of families, and have been successful in an FFT externship.
Can staff work part-time in FFT and part-time in another service/model as long as they are adherent to FFT in their capacity as an FFT therapist?
Priority should be given to the FFT work the therapist is doing. Sites in this position must consider whether the other work will interfere with FFT activities and scheduling sessions with families when they are available. Many FFT therapists have found switching between two models or work tasks to be difficult, particularly when undergoing FFT training. FFT works with providers through application processes to determine with other non-activities are advisable in a project.
For youth coming out of residential care, can an FFT therapist begin working with the family/client in the weeks immediately preceding residential discharge?
FFT works in different ways with this population. FFT can begin when discharge is imminent and sessions can be held with the identified client and family in the facility or during the youth’s home visit, or FFT can occur as a recommended service at discharge.
The FFT therapist can begin engaging the family and youth before discharge and start FFT immediately once the youth is home. Different potential re-entry models can be explored directly with FFT during the application process.
Is a psychiatrist part of the FFT team? Are they ever contracted in?
FFT has trained psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and even teachers. Psychiatrists in some states are required to provide medical necessities for a client and will refer to FFT if appropriate. The psychiatrist in this role must understand the structure of the model. Some psychiatrists fulfill an administrative or clinical role while most of the time they are used for consultation with the family around issues such as medication management. Though the costs can be high, in some cases, psychiatrists have been integrated into FFT training and case consultation.
Do you have a sample job description for an FFT Therapist position?
Yes, you can download our sample job description by clicking here.
Do you have a sample of interview questions for an FFT Therapist position?
What is the difference between FFT and FFT-CW®?
The activities of the two tracks (family therapy or case management) in FFT-CW® are derived from FFT and Functional Family Probation Services; however, the FFT-CW® model is distinct in two respects. First, the referral for FFT-CW® is due to a child safety concern rather than a youth behavioral problem. Second, FFT-CW® serves families with youth ages 0-18; whereas FFT has been used for ages 11 to 18. These differences have critical implications for the services, from referral to developmental considerations that must be taken into account during every phase of treatment.
What are the qualifications for an FFT-CW® therapist?
A Master’s in social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or other counseling-related degree is preferred. Experience working with families involved or at risk of involvement in child protection can be beneficial.
What qualifications are recommended for an FFT-CW® case manager?
A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology or other human services degree is preferred. Case management experience can be beneficial, as is experience working with families involved or at risk of involvement in child protection.
What is a typical FFT-CW® Caseload?
- In the family therapy track, full-time therapists may work with between 8-10 families at any given time.
- In the case management track, we recommend caseloads between 10-15 families for full-time staff.
What factors impact caseload size?
Caseload size is often determined by risk level of families and other contracted child protection system duties.
Are Supervisors required to carry cases?
Yes, this helps them learn the model and provide model adherent supervision.
How many cases do Supervisors carry?
Site supervisors can carry up to a full caseload but may reduce their caseloads to meet other requirements of their position. Their caseload must be a minimum of 4 active cases at all times.
How many staff can the supervisor support?
One FFT-CW® Supervisor can support a team of up to 8.
Can therapists and case managers work from remote locations?
Due to family needs and risk factors, therapists and case managers need to be available to meet with families in person.
Can staff work part-time in FFT-CW®?
Yes, however priority should be given to their FFT-CW® work. Many FFT-CW® therapists and case managers find it very difficult to manage different practice approaches or work roles, especially in their first year of practice, while learning the model.
Is a psychiatrist part of the FFT-CW® team?
While therapists and case managers may refer families for psychiatric services, psychiatrists are not required members of an FFT-CW® team. Many teams partner with psychiatrists who have familiarity with the FFT-CW® model.
How accessible do FFT-CW® therapists need to be after-hours?
For extenuating clinical issues or those situations that impact agency policy and procedure, FFT would expect that the agency has a designated supervisor or other processes to address after-hours issues. Many agencies are required to provide after-hours crisis service. However, it is not a requirement of the model to offer 24/7 access to the FFT-CW® therapist.
What is a typical FFP caseload?
FFP caseloads per worker are up to 15 cases maximum.
Is FFP therapy?
No. FFP is case management. It is a structured, family-based intervention in which workers use a multi-step approach to enhance supervision of the youth in the community. FFP workers refer to appropriate services which target the youth/family risk and protective factors.
What happens after the Phase 3 training year?
FFP sites who wish to continue to be a certified FFP site after their Phase 3 training year continue a yearly contract with FFT LLC.
How often do we meet with a consultant?
Phase 1 training year, the team meets with an FFP National Consultant weekly for an hour. Participation is mandatory. Thereafter, the consultant meets with the local FFP Supervisor.
Can staff work part time in FFP?
FFP does not encourage part time work.
Do we need community partners to implement FFP?
Yes, working relationships with community providers and organizations, schools, etc. has led to greater success.
What happens in the case of staff attrition?
FFP provides specific on-line replacement training periodically to onboard new FFP workers or supervisors.
Is there a documentation system FFP workers use?
FFP sites can use a web-based documentation system (CSS). It allows for workers to document meetings, contacts with families and provides various reports specific to quality assurance. CSS usage is encouraged but not mandated.
What is the difference between FFT and FFT-G?
FFT-G shares the same intervention focus and activities as FFT. However, given the higher intensity of the risk factors and behaviors that are present with gang-involved youth and their families, extensive work is devoted to developing and sustaining working relationships with community stakeholders to ensure that there is a coordinated and coherent approach to work with these youth and their families. This plan includes safety considerations as well as a focus on working to ensure that youth remain in the community. Developing such systems-level relationships is not unique to FFT-G. All FFT programs do this as a routine aspect of practice. What is unique in FFT-G work is the focus on engaging stakeholders with key knowledge and experience with the local community and gangs.
What are the qualifications for an FFT-G clinician?
Master’s level is preferred, including clinician’s being supervised by a licensed supervisor. Experience working with delinquent youth is preferred.
What is a typical FFT- G caseload?
FFT-G should be implemented with a team of 3-8 master's level therapists, with full-time caseloads based on the level of risk and needs within a gang-involved target population. This typically is approximately 8 youth/families. The site supervisor is also required to carry a caseload. Site supervisors may reduce their caseloads to meet the requirements of the position; however, this caseload must be a minimum of five active cases at all times.
How many therapists can one onsite supervisor support?
One FFT-G site supervisor can support up to a team of eight.
How close to the families (in geographic terms) must the FFT-G therapist be?
Since the risk in the early stages of treatment with families is dropout, FFT-G therapists meet with families based on risk factors and family needs. Distance should not be a reason why a therapist doesn’t meet with a family. Thus, a site must consider whether the geography a therapist covers will allow them to still be responsive to families, particularly in early sessions. If not, dropout will increase and outcomes will diminish.
Is it safe to work with gang-involved youth?
FFT has safely worked with gang-involved youth in many contexts around the world. This has also been the case with FFT-G. Safety is a joint effort. It is recommended that all agencies have safety protocols in place for doing work in the community/home. As part of the implementation process, FFT works closely with teams to ensure that stakeholders from other systems are also involved in safety planning.
How accessible do FFT-G therapists need to be after-hours?
For extenuating clinical issues or those situations that impact agency policy and procedure, FFT would expect that the agency has a designated supervisor or other processes to address after-hours issues. Many agencies are required to provide after-hours crisis service. However, it is not a requirement of the model to offer 24/7 access to the FFT-G therapist.
How often do FFT-G therapists meet (via phone conference) with an FFT-G national consultant?
The FFT-G national consultant will talk to the therapists weekly via phone. This call typically occurs at the same time each week. Consultation includes general topics, such as issues around documentation or caseloads, and moves into being more clinical, utilizing the FFT model of supervision and staffing of cases. The weekly call is considered a requirement for site certification, so attendance is mandatory.
Can staff work part-time in FFT-G and part-time in another service/model as long as they are adherent to FFT-G in their capacity as an FFT-G therapist?
Given the high-risk nature of the target population and work within the community with stakeholders, priority should be given to the FFT-G work the therapist is doing. FFT works with providers through application processes to determine with other non-activities are advisable in a project.
For youth coming out of residential care, can an FFT-G therapist begin working with the family/client in the weeks immediately preceding residential discharge?
FFT-G works in different ways with this population. FFT-G can begin when discharge is imminent and sessions can be held with the identified client and family in the facility or during the youth’s home visit, or FFT-G can occur as a recommended service at discharge. The FFT-G therapist can begin engaging the family and youth prior to discharge and start FFT-G immediately once the youth is home. Different potential re-entry models can be explored directly with FFT-G during the application process.
Is a psychiatrist part of the FFT-G team? Are they ever contracted in?
FFT-G has trained psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and even teachers. Psychiatrists in some states are required to provide medical necessities for a client and will refer to FFT-G if appropriate. It is essential that the psychiatrist in this role understands the structure of the model. Some psychiatrists fulfill an administrative or clinical role while most of the time they are used for consultation with the family around issues such as medication management. Though the costs can be high, in some cases, psychiatrists have been integrated into FFT-G training and case consultation.