Multidimensional Family Therapy

Facilitating Health and Recovery
Youth with substance use issues are at a higher risk for mental health problems, including depression, behavioral issues, and suicide. Lincoln's Muldimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) provides short-term intensive therapy to families and youth struggling with substance use and mental health challenges through a variety of therapeutic and behavioral supports designed for:

  • Adolescents: Providing individual therapy to improve self-awareness and confidence, set goals, build communication and social skills, and reduce substance use and problem behaviors.
  • Parents: Assisting parents to regain influence over their adolescent. 
  • Families: Coaching and modeling to improve family problem-solving and increase feelings of love and connection.
  • Communities: Improving access to community systems such as school and probation for decreasing barriers to treatment.

Getting Back on Track
The Lincoln MDFT program works with youth to get back on a healthy developmental track and build resilient and successful lives and futures. Through proven MDFT strategies to address underlying conditions, such as depression or social problems, Lincoln helps youth achieve and maintain substance-free lives.

The Unique MDFT Model
Many youth and families are referred to us after being unsuccessful in other programs. A key to the success of the program is our team approach: Family Advocates and certified MDFT therapists meet one to three times per week to provide individual and family therapy, parenting skills and support, and assistance navigating community systems such as school and probation. 

Science-based practices form the basis of MDFT, developed from research to address adolescent drug use and any associated medical, psychological, social, vocational and legal problems.

Services
Lincoln's MDFT staff goes where youth are, providing services in the home, at school, or juvenile hall, and collaborating with service providers, school personnel, the justice system, and other individuals identified by the family. In addition to individual and family therapy and behavioral supports, the Lincoln team provides a variety of services through its very intensive four to six month program, including: 

  • Facilitation of school and probation meetings
  • Vocational assistance for youth and parents
  • Connections to housing and other community resources

Who Can Receive MDFT?
Youth, ages 11-19, and their families throughout Contra Costa County through community-and clinic-based services. Medi-Cal and uninsured youth are accepted. Youth, ages 11-19, and their families throughout Alameda County referred through probation. Medi-Cal, privately and uninsured youth are accepted.

Locations
1266 14th Street
Oakland, CA 94607

51 Marina Blvd., Suite D
Pittsburg, CA 94564

Resources
MDFT International