Policy Issues:

1. Is the required training in the provision of family therapy equivalent across the licensure requirements of all mental health disciplines?

Crane, D. R., Shaw, A. L., Christenson, J. (In preparation) Training in the Mental health Disciplines: A content analysis for competency in family therapy. Anticipated completion date July, 2008.

Abstract:
     This project examines the content of clinical licensure training requirements for clinical and counseling psychology, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatry, and social work for content related to family therapy.

Costs of MFT Issues:

1. Crane, D. R., Shaw, A.L, Christenson, J. D., & Marshall, E. S. (In review) Family factors associated with changes in children's health care use.

Parental unhappiness is associated with increase health care use in children

2. Christenson, J.D., Crane, D. R., Moore, A. M., & Hillin, H. H., (in review) Evaluating the costs of treating schizophrenia with and without family therapy.

Kansas Medicaid system
Retrospective, longitudinal study
Total health care costs for 165 persons treated for schizophrenia for 30 months were available
Comprehensive range of services

Results suggest that each family therapy intervention was associated with a significant $586 decrease in total health care costs.

MFT in Health Insurance Companies:

Data from CIGNA Behavioral Health will be used to answer cost issues related to:

ADHD

Anxiety

Depression

High Utilizers

Psychotherapy Dropout and Dose Effectiveness

Relational Issues

Substance Abuse

Basic Research - BYU Family Therapy Training Clinic:

1. Crane, D. R., Payne, S., Schaalje, B. & Marshall, E. S. (In preparation) Predictors of a Medical Offset among Marriage and Family Therapy Recipients