Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive family and community-based treatment program addressing the multiple determinants of problem behaviors in adolescents.
The approach views individuals as being nested within a complex network of interconnected systems that encompass individual, family and extra-familial factors such as peer groups, schools, the community, and the courts and other service systems. MST focuses on addressing all environmental systems that impact youth and strives to promote behavior change in the young person's natural environment – their home and family, school and teachers, neighborhood and friends.
MST works with youth ages 12 through 17 (exceptions can be requested for 10 - 11 years old) who have a history of arrests and/ or other externalizing behaviors. The major goal of MST is to empower parents by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to independently address the difficulties that arise in raising teenagers.
Within a context of support and skill building, the therapist places developmentally appropriate demands on the adolescent and family for responsible behavior. Intervention strategies are integrated into a social ecological context and may include strategic family therapy, structural family therapy, behavioral parent training, contingency management and cognitive behavioral interventions. MST recognizes that each system of care plays a critical role in a youth’s world and each system requires attention when effective change is needed to improve the quality of life for youth and their families.
Program Outcomes
An evidence-based practice, MST has proven successful in working with the most challenging youth and the circumstances surrounding them.
MST blends the best-practices of various clinical treatments, from cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior management training to family therapies. Evaluations of MST have demonstrated:
- Reduced long-term rates of criminal offending in serious juvenile offenders
- Reduced rates of out-of-home placements for serious juvenile offenders
- Extensive improvements in family functioning
- Decreased mental health problems for serious juvenile offenders
- Favorable outcomes at cost savings in comparison with usual mental health and juvenile justice services
Many experts believe that evidence-based practices such as MST should be a standard for addressing the complex needs of juvenile offenders. MST consultants and trainers work with many provider agencies in helping effectively deliver MST services, setting up a network of partner organizations that are committed to the transport of the MST model with full integrity and fidelity.
Find a full list of MST sites.
Additional Resources
MST Services
MST Services provides a wealth of information including results, helpful infographics, videos, and more.
Behavioral Health Juvenile Justice
The Behavioral Health Juvenile Justice (BHJJ) initiative, a shared effort of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS), was created to enhance local options for providing services to juvenile offenders with serious behavioral healthcare needs. Pilot projects that started in a few Ohio counties in early 2000 have grown into a statewide initiative with strong support from additional state and local stakeholders. The projects are designed to transform child-serving systems by enhancing their assessment, evaluation, and treatment of multi-need, multi-system youth and their families. In addition, they provide the Juvenile Court judges an alternative to incarceration.
Considering MST for your area or agency? Contact Maureen Kishna, Program Developer