Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
Click Here to Make a Referral to the MST Program
MST PROGRAM BROCHURE, CLICK HERE
MST FOLLETO DEL PROGRAMA PARA LA FAMILIA HAGA CLIC AQUI
MST is an evidence-based practice with over 30 years and 18 studies of research that shows it is effective in providing an intensive home and community-based treatment to help families reduce acting out behaviors in their 12-17 year old, keep them in the home and attending school, and decrease the risk for arrest or getting into trouble. MST is a 3-5 month co-occurring treatment that is recognized by 24 groups worldwide, including SAMHSA, NIDA, CSAP, and CSAT.
The MST model and 9 principles guide treatment as the therapist empowers the caregiver(s) to individualize developmentally appropriate interventions that will be most effective for their family while utilizing their strengths to create sustainable progress. Family members, in addition to the youth, work actively to achieve goals to decrease identified problems and increase positive changes for long-term success.
MST provides services to the client and family 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, when and where those services are needed with frequent contact with families (usually 2+ sessions per week).
MST Outcomes:
The following Outcomes are for the MST program at CYS for Thurston & Mason Counties between 2013 and June 2019.
At the time of Discharge:
MST can serve youth who:
- Are 12-17 years of age
- Are receiving Medicaid (click here to apply for Medicaid)*
- Are experiencing challenges in two or more of the following areas
- School
- Juvenile Court
- Child Welfare
- Mental Health
- Family/Home
- Have escalated behavioral Challenges that could include:
- Running Away
- Defiance
- Refusal to follow rules of their community, school, or home
- Physical Aggression
- Property Damage
- Substance use
*Limited availability for Thurston County youth without Medicaid
MST cannot serve youth who:
- Do not have a primary caregiver who is
committed to having the youth in their home
for at least 6 months - Have primary challenges being suicidal and/or
homicidal behavior or sexually acting out
behavior and do not demonstrate other
delinquent behavior - Have challenges related to severe psychiatric
needs (i.e., psychotic symptoms are the main
driver to behavior) - Have been diagnosed on Level 2 or 3 of
Autism Spectrum Disorder or when
cognitive/developmental delays are a main
driver to behavior
The MST Program model has many specific principles, which include finding the fit between identified problems and how they impact the youth and families’ environment. By utilizing the youth and families’ strengths, MST Therapists can help the family build strategies for larger successes in their futures. Family members are expected to work actively to achieve goals, as well as youth, to decrease identified problems and increase positive changes for long-term successes.
HOW DO I MAKE A REFERRAL?
There is more than one way to make a referral:
- Call 360-918-7860 to complete a referral over the phone
- Complete the MST Program Referral linked below either electronically or on paper and submit via email to icd@communityyouthservices.org or by fax to 360-584-9265
- Submit an online referral using the form at the bottom of this page
MST program referral form, CLICK HERE
*Note: If you are unable to fill it out online, just print a blank copy of this form and handwrite the information before submitting it to us.
CYS’ MST Program has many community and team components that help a small team program be such a big success in our communities:
CYS’ MST Core Team is comprised of Thurston and Mason County stakeholders. They provide guidance and support regarding interventions, quality assurance, data collection and reporting, referrals and social marketing.
CYS’ MST Team is committed to proactive collaboration and communication with all members of each family’s MST team, including the referent and other service providers.
CYS’ MST Therapists will maintain consistent, frequent contact with each family’s referent for consultation and to provide updates on the progress for each client.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MST PROGRAM MODEL, PLEASE CLICK HERE.