Multisystemic Therapy

Multisystemic Therapy to improve your child’s behavioral needs

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) reduces delinquent and antisocial behavior in young people by addressing the core causes with a network that includes family, peers, school and the neighborhood. MST is different because it is strength-focused, non-blaming and views caregivers as a critical part of the solutions to a youth’s challenging behaviors. Research demonstrates that MST reduces criminal activity and other undesirable behaviors.

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence-based program that empowers young people (ages 12 to 17) and their families to function responsibly over the long term. Our therapists have small caseloads and provide services in the home at times that are convenient for the family. An MST team member is on-call 24/7 to meet you and your child when and where help is needed.

The average length of treatment is between three and five months. Therapists and provider agencies are held accountable for achieving change and positive outcomes.

What is Multisystemic Therapy (MST)?

MST is a family and home-based treatment that works to change how youth behave in their home, school and neighborhood. It promotes positive social behaviors while decreasing negative behaviors.

What are the primary goals of MST?
  • Keep youth safely at home.
  • Keep youth in school and/or working.
  • Prevent youth from getting arrested.
  • Reduce youth’s criminal and other problem behaviors.
How is MST different from other services?

MST’s positive results are scientifically proven to be long-lasting. Instead of sending your child out of the community, an MST therapist works within your home to address the root causes of your child’s behaviors. The treatment is specifically tailored to the strengths and needs of you and your family. Our MST team is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to inspire positive changes for your youth and family.

What is the availability of MST therapists?

You will have access to your therapist or another clinician on your therapist’s MST team, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your therapist will plan sessions in the home at times that are convenient for your family.

What is the average length of treatment?

The length of treatment is generally three to five months (four months on average).

What is expected of the guardian or parent?

You and your child along with your MST therapist will develop a shared understanding of your child’s current behaviors and concerns within the home, school and community. This understanding will help the family work with the MST therapist to build strategies that are tailored to your family’s unique situation. MST therapists collaborate with and empower parents/caregivers by focusing on the family’s strengths and support system (i.e., extended family, neighbors, friends, church members, etc.).

Multisystemic Therapy client smiling

Here’s what our clients are saying…

“Multisystemic Therapy has been a blessing to our family during this time of need. Our therapist at Easterseals UCP always goes above and beyond.”

Be a part of our story.