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Multisystemic Therapy
What is MST?
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is a unique, goal-oriented, comprehensive treatment program designed to serve multi-problem youth in their community. MST is the only family-focused and community-based treatment program that has:
been the focus of several major research studies, and
demonstrated clinical- and cost-effectiveness for youth with complex emotional, social, and academic needs.
MST was developed at the Family Services Research Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, and uses only treatment strategies that are supported by research.
Who should receive MST?
MST is effective in helping youth with chronic, violent delinquent behavior and youth with serious emotional problems, including:
truancy and academic problems
serious disrespect and disobedience
aggressive behavior (fighting and property destruction)
criminal behavior
drug and alcohol problems
running away
What makes MST work?
Research studies of youth who break the law repeatedly and/or abuse illegal substances are clear. The causes of juvenile offending are difficulties in the following areas:
family relations
school performance
peer relations
neighborhood and community relations
MST interventions focus on key aspects of these areas in each youth's life. All interventions are designed in full collaboration with family members and key figures in each area of the child's life including parents or legal guardians, school teachers and principals."
What does MST do?
a complete functional assessment of youth in the context of their family, school, and community
seeks to understand the "fit" between the child's problems and the factors which contribute to them
focuses on helping parents build supportive social networks
empowers parents to address the needs of the youth more effectively
emphasizes long-term change that families can maintain after the program
How does MST use a "home-based" model?
MST Therapists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
services are provided in the home, school, neighborhood and community
caseloads of therapists are small (4-6 families per therapist) and treatment is intensive, often including multiple contacts with family and other participants every week
length of treatment averages 3-5 months
therapists are fully trained in MST
therapists work in teams and provide coverage for each other's caseloads
Each team has a supervisor and an MST expert who consults weekly on all cases.
What can I expect from my MST therapist?
Any combination of the following services could be provided to the youth and her/his family, as needed, within the MST program:
family therapy
marital therapy
individual sessions with parents
chemical dependency assessment and treatment
evaluation of the youth's peer network and arranging alternative activities
consultation with schools
coordinating activities with school systems, court, and/or other social service agencies
arranging a psychiatric consultation
Where can I get MST services in my community?
Caring Family Network provides MST services in Wake county and Durham County. Our therapists are diverse in age, gender, and cultural background, and are thoroughly trained and supported in the MST model.
For more information about MST contact Marla Page or Stacie Forrest
Toll free - 877.832.3266 or in Raleigh (919) 870-8699
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