Multisystemic Therapy

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive treatment for troubled youth delivered in multiple settings. This program aims to promote pro-social behavior and reduce criminal activity, mental health symptomology, out-of-home placements, and illicit substance use in 12- to 17-year-old youth. Specifically, the aim is to eliminate or significantly reduce the frequency and severity of the youth’s referral behavior(s); empower parents with the skills and resources needed to independently address the inevitable difficulties that arise in raising children/adolescents; empower youth to cope with family, peer, school, and neighborhood problems, and enable youth to develop pro-social behaviors. The MST program addresses the core causes of delinquent and antisocial conduct by identifying key drivers of the behaviors through an ecological assessment of the youth, his or her family, and school community. Intervention strategies are personalized to address the identified drivers. The program is delivered for an average of three to five months, and services are available 24/7, which enables timely crisis management and allows families to choose which times will work best for them.