This is an intensive treatment program for families of children and adolescents ages 10 to 17 who exhibit antisocial behaviors, drug abuse, and school dropout. The theory of change in Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is based on the assumption that various risk conditions can occur in the various systems in which the youth is involved, including community, family, and school, and the intervention must be able to effectively address those various conditions. Emphasis is placed on building the capacity of parents and adult caregivers in the family to supervise and protect youth, encouraging them to stay in school, stay at home, and reduce at-risk situations.
The therapy is applied mainly in the family’s own residence and in the community setting by means of face-to-face and virtual interviews. MST therapists must be available to respond to emergency telephone inquiries from beneficiary families on a 24/7 basis. The therapy uses a combination of cognitive behavioral interventions, family therapy, and behavioral approaches tailored to operate within the MST framework in a parsimonious manner.
The youth’s lack of interest in receiving the intervention does not preclude Multisystemic Therapy from being implemented with the consent of the parents or adult caregivers in the family.