Description
Multisystemic Therapy with Psychiatric Supports (MST-Psych) is designed to serve families with youth ages 9-17 who are at risk for out-of-home placement (in some cases, psychiatric hospitalization) due to serious behavioral problems, substance use, and/or co-occurring mental health symptoms. The goal of MST-Psych is to improve behavioral problems, mental health symptoms, suicidal behaviors, and family relations while increasing youth time spent going to school and living in home-based placements. MST-Psych may be eligible for Title IV-E Transitional funding via the Family First Prevention Services Act.
MST focuses on addressing all environmental systems that impact youth: their homes and families, schools and teachers, neighborhoods and friends. MST therapists work in the home, school and community at times convenient to the family, and a team member is on call 24/7. The intensity of services can vary with the needs of the youth and family. Average length of treatment is between 3 and 5 months.
Keep adolescents who have exhibited serious clinical problems (e.g., substance use, violence, severe criminal behavior) at home, in school, and out of trouble; Uncover and assess the functional origins of adolescent behavioral problems; alter the youth’s ecology in a manner that promotes prosocial conduct while decreasing problem and delinquent behavior.
