MST is an intensive community-based treatment approach that promotes positive behavior in adolescents. This trauma responsive, systemic treatment approach addresses how youth function in their home, school, and neighborhood and aims to reduce behavioral issues, mental health symptoms, out-of-home placements, and substance use/abuse. Therapists work in the home, school and community and are on call 24 hours/7 days a week to provide caregivers with the tools they need to achieve treatment goals. MST draws from research-based treatment techniques (e.g., Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Parent Management Training, Pragmatic Family Therapies) to target change in behaviors. One key benefit of MST is that the model empowers caregivers and equips adolescents and their families with the skills, resources, and natural support to address future challenges.
Primary Goals:
Therapists use research-based treatment techniques to target improvement in:
- Improve family cohesion
- Strengthen positive parenting skills
- Improve educational/vocational success for youth
- Reduce substance use in adolescents
- Improve family’s access and use of natural supports
- Increase youth’s association with positive peers and activities
- Achieve change that is sustainable for youth and families