Director of Program
Joni Carrier Klein
701 16th Avenue Southwest ° Mandan, ND 58554
Telephone: (701) 667-1400 ° Fax: (701) 667-1414
About Brief Strategic Family Therapy
Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT®) is an evidenced-based, problem-focused therapy that aims to improve parent-child interactions, develop conflict resolution skills, build upon parenting skills and increase communication between family members. BSFT® targets and corrects maladaptive patterns of family interactions that are linked to externalized behaviors and internalized symptomology in children ages 6-17.
BSFT® is part of the Children and Family Services’ Families First Prevention Plan and is delivered to eligible North Dakota families at no cost.
Referral Information
BSFT® accepts referrals from a multitude of community partners including but not limited to: human service zones, courts, behavioral health, schools, self-referrals, etc. Referred families can be successfully treated in as few as 12-16 weekly sessions.
To make a referral or learn more, call (701) 667-1400 or email bsft@nd.gov
Click here for Title IV-E eligibility.
If you or someone you know could benefit from BSFT® services, please complete the BSFT Referral/Application, and submit to bsft@nd.gov. Be sure to include your contact information so we can follow up with you directly.
Communities Served and Provider Information
Bismarck/Mandan
Kristen Degrenia, LCSW
Kristen Degrenia serves the Bismarck-Mandan area and is the site supervisor for DJS-BSFT®. Kristen oversees therapist competency and adherence to the BSFT® model. Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Mary and her Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University. Kristen has spent the last ten years working with juvenile justice-involved youth and their families, as well as families impacted by the child welfare system in different capacities. Kristen wholeheartedly believes in the power of the BSFT® model and its ability to transform and improve the lives of North Dakota families.
Fargo
Peggy Goodman, LMSW
Peggy Goodman serves the Fargo Metro area. Peggy is a veteran and has traveled the world a few times, whether stationed at several duty stations in the United States or deployed in combat zones worldwide. After serving in the military, Peggy pursued her master's degree in social work. She honed her skills in family and school therapy during her four-year practice in Washington state. After moving back home to North Dakota in 2021, Peggy focused her practice primarily in the Fargo and West Fargo middle and high schools serving students who were suspended or expelled from school. Peggy ran a program to help students connect with the community around them through community services as well as working toward their rights to educations through virtual academies. With her passion for families, Peggy chose to return to family therapy where she now serves families through BSFT® around the Fargo Metro area. Peggy feels honored to be invited into a family's home and help work towards their goals so that they may continue walking their path together as a team.
Grand Forks
We're Growing! Our team is looking for compassionate, skilled professionals who are dedicated to helping North Dakota families thrive. If you're passionate about supporting others through meaningful, evidence-based therapy, we’d love to connect with you.
Jamestown
We're Growing! Our team is looking for compassionate, skilled professionals who are dedicated to helping North Dakota families thrive. If you're passionate about supporting others through meaningful, evidence-based therapy, we’d love to connect with you.
Minot
Kayla McCuddin, LMSW
Kayla McCuddin serves the Minot area. Kayla is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a master’s degree in social work from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in social work at The University of Sioux Falls. Kayla has over 6 years of experience working with individuals and families in roles including case management, advocacy, and individual, couples, and family therapy. Kayla utilizes a systemic approach to evaluate each family within their environment, providing support and practical feedback to help families effectively address personal life challenges and changes.
Williston
Kadie-Ann Caballero Dennis, LPCC
Kadie-Ann Caballero Dennis serves the Williston area. Kadie-Ann has her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and is licensed in the state of North Dakota as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Kadie-Ann has been working in the mental health field for the past 8+ years. Kadie-Ann enjoys using the BSFT® model in working with families and believes that BSFT® offers a practical and brief way to address family challenges.
Join Our Team!
Are you interested in becoming a BSFT® provider? Please check the DOCR careers webpage or reach out to bsft@nd.gov with inquiries related to employment opportunities with BSFT®.