Youth Services: Multisystemic Therapy* (MST*)
A Model Based on Evidence
In 1999, Community Solutions, Inc. (CSI) became a licensed provider in New England for Multisystemic Therapy (MST). We have since expanded our teams and became a Network Partner for MST in 2004. This distinction allows us to hire Experts/System Supervisors qualified to provide MST 5-day orientation, MST approved booster trainings, and ongoing consultation to organizations delivering MST.
MST has proven to reduce antisocial behavior among diverse populations of chronic juvenile offenders. The duration of treatment is roughly four months with approximately 60 hours of therapist-family contact. Therapists are accessible to the youth and family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. MST can be used to prevent residential placement or as aftercare when youth are leaving a residential facility.
Learn More about CSI's MST Program
What is Multisystemic Therapy?
Targets
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) typically targets chronic, violent, or substance-abusing juvenile offenders ages 12 through 17.
Ultimate Goals
MST strives to promote behavior change in the child's natural environment, using the strengths of each system (family, peers, school, neighborhood) to facilitate change and keep the youth in home, in school, and out of trouble.
Cost Savings
A study by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy estimated savings of $31,000 to $131,000 for each youth served by MST (based on MST preventing a subsequent incident requiring social or judicial services).
Home-Based
MST's home-based therapy design helps overcome barriers to service, increases family retention in treatment, allows for the provision of intensive services (i.e., therapists have low caseloads), and enhances the maintenance of successful behavior change.
Research Support
Extensive meta-analysis using MST clinical interventions grounded in strategic family therapy, structural family therapy, behavioral parenting training, and cognitive behavioral therapy demonstrate superior long lasting outcomes.
Reduced Substance Use
Using MST has decreased adolescent substance use, decreased adolescent psychiatric symptoms, reduced long-term re-arrest rates 25 to 70 percent, and reduced long-term out-of-home placement 47 to 64 percent.
CSI and MST: Quick Facts
- CSI has been called upon by MST and other provider agencies to assist other programs on topics such as turnover, client and stakeholder engagement, and hiring.
- CSI has given presentations across the country on our extensive experience with the MST model.
- CSI has provided MST within the US and in other countries including Canada and Australia for our own teams and for the teams of other agencies.
- Numerous CSI staff have won awards from MSTS for their technical skills, adherence to model fidelity, and for doing “Whatever It Takes”
Learn More
To learn more about MST – visit www.MSTservices.com