Multisystemic Therapy

MST ® or Multisystemic Therapy is an evidence-based and intensive family and community based treatment that addresses the multiple causes of serious antisocial behavior and delinquency. The program has successfully served youth from 12 to 17 years old, as a clinical and cost-effective alternative to out-of-home placements (e.g. incarceration, residential placement, and psychiatric hospitalization)
for youths presenting serious clinical problems. The MST ® program seeks to improve the real-world functioning of youth by changing their natural environments (e.g. home, school, and neighborhood) in ways that promote prosocial behavior while decreasing antisocial behavior. Therapists work with youth and their families to address the known causes of delinquency on an individualized, yet comprehensive basis. By using the strengths in each system (family, peers, school, and neighborhood) to facilitate
change, MST ® addresses the multiple factors known to be related to delinquency across the key systems within which youth are embedded. The extent of treatment varies by family according to clinical need and addressing deep issues. MST ® provides intake, at home intervention planning, and referrals for adolescents referred by community providers in Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.

The average length of therapy is three (3) to five (5) months and frequency of service includes therapist and the client’s ecology’s participants creating cohesive intervention planning services a minimum of three times a week; however, length of therapy and frequency are based on individual need.

Goals

• Eliminate or significantly reduce the frequency and severity of the youth’s referral behavior(s)
• Empower parents with the skills and resources needed to independently address the inevitable difficulties that arise in raising children and adolescents.
• To empower youth to cope with family, peer, school, and neighborhood problems.

Fees
There are no fees to participate in the MST ® program.

Program Location
240 NW Peacock Boulevard, Suite 301
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986