Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
Intensive, Family- and Community-Based Treatment for Youth and Families
Referrals
Parents, caregivers, community partners, and referring professionals can complete the MST Referral/Intake Assessment and email the completed form to mst@starcarelubbock.org.
What is Multisystemic Therapy?
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence-based program that empowers youth ages 12–17 and their families to create positive, lasting change.
MST takes a family-centered approach by looking beyond the individual youth and addressing the factors that may contribute to challenging behaviors. Treatment considers the youth within their broader network of family, peers, school, and community.
Services are provided in the home and community, at times that are convenient for the family. Families typically work with their MST therapist several times per week, with an average treatment length of 3–5 months.
MST Goals
MST works collaboratively with youth and families to:
- Reduce serious problem and delinquent behaviors
- Strengthen family relationships and communication
- Increase caregiver confidence and problem-solving skills
- Address factors contributing to challenging behaviors
- Improve functioning at home, school, and in the community
- Build a more stable and supportive home environment
- Support positive relationships and social connections
- Help families develop skills that promote lasting change
Youth and families who have participated in MST have reported improvements in problem-solving, family communication, mental health management, social functioning, and the home environment, along with decreases in delinquent behaviors.
MST Services
MST provides individualized, intensive services based on the unique strengths and needs of each youth and family.
Services are provided in the home and community and may include:
- Individualized family interventions
- Caregiver support and skill development
- Family communication and problem-solving
- Behavioral interventions
- Collaboration with schools and other community supports
- Safety and crisis planning
- Support for addressing factors contributing to problem behaviors
- Frequent contact with the MST therapist
MST therapists maintain small caseloads and provide services at times that are convenient for families.
What Makes MST Different?
- Family-Centered — MST puts the family front and center. The therapist works hand-in-hand with the youth, caregivers, and other important people in the youth’s life rather than focusing solely on the individual youth.
- In-Home & Community-Based — Therapy happens where families live and where challenges occur. Services are provided in the home and community at times that work for the family.
- Evidence-Based — MST is an evidence-based intervention with a strong body of research supporting its use with high-risk youth and families.
Focused on Lasting Change — MST addresses the underlying factors contributing to problem behaviors and helps families develop practical strategies they can continue using after treatment ends.
What Can Families Expect?
- Individualized Support — Every family is different. MST treatment is tailored to the family’s unique strengths, needs, and goals.
- In-Home Sessions — Families receive services in their home and community rather than having to attend traditional office-based therapy.
- Frequent Contact — MST is an intensive service. Families typically meet with their therapist several times each week.
- Family Participation — The family’s participation and commitment to the treatment process are essential to achieving meaningful outcomes.
- 3–5 Months of Treatment — The average MST treatment course lasts approximately 3–5 months.
Who Does MST Serve?
MST serves youth ages 12–17 and their families who are experiencing serious behavioral concerns and may benefit from intensive, family- and community-based intervention.
MST considers the multiple environments that influence a young person’s behavior, including family, peers, school, and community.
Counties Served: Lubbock • Hockley • Lynn • Cochran • Crosby
How Do I Get Started?
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, community partner, or referring professional, you can contact the MST team to learn more about services or make a referral.
Interested in MST or Want to Make a Referral?
Call: 806-740-1462
Email: mst@starcarelubbock.org
Parents, caregivers, community partners, and referring professionals can complete the MST Referral/Intake Assessment and email the completed form to: mst@starcarelubbock.org
An MST team member will review the referral and follow up regarding next steps.