Multisystemic Therapy
Who does MST help?
MST is designed to help families with youth age 12-17 who are at risk of being placed out of their homes or asked to leave their homes because of ongoing problem behaviours.
Problem behaviours typically include:
- School problems, including truancy
- Physical and verbal aggression at home, school, or in the community
- Criminal behavior
- Drug and/or alcohol problems
- Staying out all night or running away
The MST team works with families who are committed to making ongoing efforts to make positive changes for a healthier future.
Interventions are designed collaboratively with family members and key figures in each area of the child’s life, benefiting both the family and the larger community
What is MST?
MST is a home based model of service delivery which includes interventions with youth, family, school, peers and the community.
As a result of this collaborative work, positive behavioural changes occur.
Goals of MST
- Understanding the “fit” between the child’s problems and the factors which contribute to them
- Assisting families in increasing their skills and problem solving strategies
- Helping parents build supportive social networks
- Using the strengths of the family to empower parents to address the needs of the youth more effectively
- Emphasis on long-term change that families can maintain after the program ends
The MST Model
The treatment strategies and success of MST are supported by research and all therapists are fully trained. Therapists work in teams for the benefit of the families and to ensure adherence to the model.
Caseloads are small and treatment is intensive and short term; averaging 3-5 months. This allows therapists to be able to meet as often as needed as well as when it is most helpful to the family and other participants.
Who can refer?
Referrals to the program may come from any number of sources, including:
- Family
- Probation Services
- Schools
- Children’s Aid Society
- Children’s Mental Health Services
- Community Agencies & Organizations
- Crisis Services
- Health Care Providers
How to refer?
Call the MST Team at 905-427-8165
