Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
An intensive, community- and home-based treatment for adolescents with serious behavioral problems that addresses family, school, peer, and community systems.
What Is Multisystemic Therapy (MST)?
Multisystemic therapy (MST) is an intensive, community- and home-based treatment for adolescents with serious behavioral problems, such as significant conduct issues or juvenile justice involvement, that addresses multiple systems influencing the adolescent, including family, school, peer group, and community.
How It Works
MST is based on the understanding that adolescent behavior is influenced by multiple interconnected systems, and that lasting change requires intervening across these systems rather than in individual therapy alone. Therapists work intensively with families in their natural environments (home, school, community). This description uses original explanatory language.
What Happens During Therapy?
MST therapists typically maintain a small caseload and are available intensively, including outside standard office hours, working directly in the family’s home and community to address specific, individualized treatment goals across relevant systems.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research supports MST for reducing recidivism and out-of-home placements among adolescents with serious behavioral problems, with substantial evidence from randomized controlled trials, particularly within juvenile justice contexts.
Who May Benefit?
MST may be considered for adolescents with serious, complex behavioral difficulties involving multiple life domains, particularly when standard outpatient treatment has not been sufficient.
Limitations and Considerations
MST is an intensive, resource-heavy intervention typically reserved for more serious cases, and availability may be limited to specific specialized program sites.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
MST is delivered through certified MST programs by trained therapists working within a structured team model with intensive supervision.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
MST is typically delivered intensively over approximately 3 to 5 months, given its high-intensity, short-term structure.
Therapy vs. Medication
MST is a family- and community-based behavioral intervention; medication may be considered for co-occurring conditions in consultation with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.