Denver Family Institute

Background Statement

Denver Family Institute was formed in 1982 as a post-graduate continuing education program that was sponsored by the University of Denver. Prior to 1982, the "Denver Family Therapy Project" was formed in 1979 by Steve Litt and Don Krill in the hopes to provide ongoing education about family therapy. This took place in the form of annual conferences. After several successful years, the team decided to start the post-graduate continuing education program. In 1988 the organization was moved off DU's campus and continued as a post-graduate continuing education program. In 1992, Denver Family Institute was incorporated, had formed an official Board of Directors and Governors, was granted non-profit status, and the initial COAMFTE accreditation process was completed. The certificate program became a two-year accredited program, allowing graduates to pursue a License in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) upon completion. In the subsequent years, the clinic was established to support the post-graduate program. Interns were accepted and helped to maintain the administrative functioning of the organization under the Executive Director and Faculty leadership. Jim Thomas served as Executive Director following Steve Litt from approximately 2007 to 2012. During this time, the beginnings of a hired admin structure took place, and the finances were reconciled. In 2012 Will Bishop was elected Executive Director. The financial health of the organization continued to be established, and the organization moved to a new primary campus location in 2013. COAMFTE reaccreditation was established again in 2015, and officially granted in Spring of 2016. Today, DFI provides more than 5,000 low-fee therapy sessions each year with an average session fee of around $24. Emily Dorn serves as DFI's Executive Director.