The CFI Model: A Family-Focused Approach to Intervention
Designed by Michael Wilson, CIP, CFI in 2009, the Certified Family-Focused Interventions model takes a holistic, family-systems approach to professional intervention, empowering families through education, preparation, and compassionate guidance.
What Is the CFI Model?
The Certified Family-Focused Interventions (CFI) model is built on a core belief: the family system is central to lasting change. Rather than focusing solely on the individual with a substance use disorder, CFI works with the entire family: educating, organizing, and guiding them through a structured process that respects everyone's dignity and autonomy.
Since 2009, this approach has been used with families nationwide. It integrates family systems theory, motivational interviewing, addiction education, and ethical professional practice into a comprehensive framework that professionals can apply immediately in their work.
The model empowers families with knowledge and agency. Families learn to understand addiction, recognize their own dynamics, set healthy boundaries, and guide their loved one toward treatment through informed, compassionate action rather than desperation.
The FORM Framework
F : Family Education
Provide families with evidence-based information about addiction, recovery, and their role in the process. An educated family makes better decisions.
O : Organize & Prepare
Help the family develop clear goals, structure, and strategies. Preparation is the difference between a crisis response and a meaningful intervention.
R : Review & Approach
Guide the family through the conversation with empathy, clarity, and compassion. Both surprise and invitational approaches are taught.
M : Maintenance & Support
Provide ongoing guidance to sustain family changes, support the recovery journey, and navigate aftercare planning.
The Whole Family, Not Just the Individual
CFI recognizes the entire family system. By involving and educating family members, we create sustainable change from the inside out. This approach has been shown to increase professional ability to engage and retain clients on the front end as service providers.
Education Over Desperation
Families in crisis deserve empowerment, not exploitation. CFI prioritizes giving families knowledge, agency, and hope, creating sustainable change that respects the dignity and autonomy of everyone involved.
Practical, Not Just Theoretical
The training combines lecture, video, small and large-group exercises, role play, mock interventions, and case studies. You don't just learn the theory. You practice it, get feedback, and build confidence before working with real families.
Your Journey from Enrollment to Certification
Here's exactly what to expect when you sign up for CFI training
Register & Prepare
Choose an upcoming training session and register through the platform. Your course materials and training reader unlock 24 hours before your training starts, giving you time to review and arrive prepared.
Complete the 3-Day Intensive Training
Attend 24 hours of hands-on instruction over 3 days (8 hours per day). The curriculum covers everything you need to conduct professional interventions.
12 hours
Intervention Theory & Practice
4 hours
Motivational Interviewing
3 hours
Addiction Education
2 hours
Family Systems
2 hours
Behavioral Health Ethics
1 hour
Crisis Intervention
Course Evaluation & Certification Exam
After training, complete the NAADAC course evaluation and pass the 120-question certification exam (80% to pass). The exam covers all six sections of the curriculum and can be taken from anywhere through the platform. You can retake it if needed.
90-Day Extended Education & Supervision
This is not optional. It's a requirement for earning your CFI-Trained designation, and it's what separates this program from weekend workshops. Over 90 days you'll complete at least 3 supervised sessions (video or individual) to confirm comprehension and proper application of the training.
CFI-Trained Status
Upon completing training and the 90-day supervision, you earn the CFI-Trained designation. You'll be listed in the Credable Learning Professional Registry, receive your certification number, and can use the CFI credential in your professional communications. Your platform access continues for 24 months with access to all intervention materials.
Beyond CFI: The Path to CIP Certification
After earning your CFI-Trained status, you can pursue the CIP (Certified Intervention Professional) credential through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). CFI training provides the foundational education, and Credable Learning offers the advanced training to help you get there.
CFI-APT (Advanced Practical Training) workshops are 2-day, domain-focused intensives worth 16 CE credits each. These cover the additional supervision hours and competency areas required by PCB for CIP certification.
CFI-Trained vs. CIP
CFI-Trained
Credable Learning's professional designation. Earned through the 3-day training + 90-day supervision + certification exam. Verifiable through our Professional Registry.
CIP (Certified Intervention Professional)
The national credential issued by PCB. Requires CFI training (or equivalent), additional domain-specific education (CFI-APT), and 100+ hours of supervised practice across 5 competency domains.
Learn more at PCBWho Should Attend
No prerequisites required for the initial 3-day training. CFI is designed for professionals across behavioral health and related fields.