"CIFFTA-Prevention: Culturally Informed, Flexible Family Therapy for Adolescents”, Daniel Santisteban, PhD, PI

This randomized clinical trial, funded by El Centro in Year 1, tests the efficacy of a culturally informed and flexible family-based therapy for adolescents in reducing/preventing substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors by modifying current mental disorders that place youngsters at risk.


Two hundred Hispanic youth (11-14 years of age) and families were recruited into the study and were randomized into either the experimental CIFFTA treatment or an individually focused "Treatment As Usual". Families are assessed at baseline, 4, 12 and 20 months to evaluate the impact of the intervention for reducing existing psychiatric, behavioral and family problems in youth, and prevention effects of the intervention on the emergence of HIV/STI.