Bringing families together to curb substance use

Horizon recently implemented the Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) program, a new treatment service aimed at improving youth (ages 13-19) behavior by eliminating substance use and its associated behavior problems. BSFT is a nationally recognized, evidence-based, short-term, and problem-focused family treatment approach. It was developed by the University of Miami Center for Family Studies, and has been endorsed as a model program by several federal health and substance abuse agencies.

“BSFT will enhance our existing services to help make Horizon’s chemical dependency family treatment services preeminent in Western New York,” says Dr. Herbert Weis, Horizon vice president. “It is a very intensive program with a demonstrated history of success.”

Families participate in approximately 12 weekly sessions. Horizon’s highly trained and skilled family therapists will create therapeutic alliances with all family members, and help them identify interaction patterns that allow or encourage problem behavior. These therapists will help families improve their functioning by emphasizing individual and family strengths, encouraging and supporting positive behaviors, enhancing parenting skills, improving family communication, and learning to resolve conflicts and solve problems.

“This is a solution-focused program aimed at getting families to work as a whole to eliminate substance use and abuse and to correct problem behavior,” says Rick Salada, program director. “Research indicates that families and youngsters who participate in BSFT have a 42 percent reduction in conduct and emotional problems and a 75 percent reduction in drug use. This is a program that works.”

A grant from The Tower Foundation is making it possible for Horizon to bring BSFT to Western New York at its 1370 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Tonawanda facility. Selected Horizon family therapists received intensive, hands-on training in BSFT, and will work closely with the University of Miami Center for Family Studies to insure full fidelity to the treatment model.

For more information about Horizon’s BSFT program, contact Rick Salada, Program Director, at (716) 833-3708 or at rsalada@horizon-health.org. BSFT services are covered by most health insurance plans.