BSFT is designed to engage and retain families and youth by focusing on the problem behaviors of the at risk population. BSFT targets the way the entire family functions.

As both an early intervention and treatment model, Brief Strategic Family Therapy is conducted in approximately 8-24 weekly sessions, depending on the severity of the problems. Through its Engagement Model, BSFT is able to bring in and retain a higher percentage of families than other family therapy programs.