Multisystemic Therapy(MST)
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Overview
Multisystemic Therapy is an intensive, home- and community-based intervention for adolescents with serious behavioural problems. It targets the multiple systems that maintain difficulties: family, peers, school, and community.
What this therapy focuses on
Reducing antisocial behaviour and improving functioning by changing drivers across environments, with a strong emphasis on caregiver empowerment and practical, measurable goals.
What sessions are usually like
Delivered in home and community settings
Multiple contacts per week
Time-limited: 3–5 months typically
Ongoing caregiver-led implementation plans
24/7 therapist availability during treatment
Session profile
Common uses and suitability
What problems it is commonly used for
Who this therapy may suit best
- High-risk adolescents where multiple systems maintain difficulties
- Families needing high-intensity support in real-world contexts
When it may need adapting or may not be suitable
- Primary internalising disorders without externalising risk
- Unsafe home environments without safeguarding resolution
Where this therapy may not be enough
MST is for high-risk externalising behaviour. Not designed for primary internalising disorders.
What happens in therapy
Functional Assessment Across Systems
Understanding what drives the young person’s behaviour by looking at all the different parts of their life.
Parent Management Strategies
Coaching parents in practical strategies for managing behaviour, boundaries, and supervision.
Evidence Base
Guideline support
Often included in high-risk youth pathways.
Strength of evidence
Moderate to strong for specific high-risk populations. Multiple RCTs demonstrate reductions in offending and out-of-home placements.
Limitations
Fidelity and service infrastructure are decisive. Not a standalone private therapy model.
Evidence claims by condition
MST helps young people with serious behaviour problems by working with their families and communities.
Resources & Printables
For Teenagers (12–17)
For Parents & Caregivers
Practitioner & Training Notes
Typical professional background
Trained MST therapists within MST teams.
Recognised training routes
MST training provided through licensed MST service organisations. Requires team-based delivery with ongoing supervision and fidelity monitoring.
Registration considerations
Delivered by licensed MST services, not individual practitioners.
Source Registry
Last evidence review: January 2026. All sources are verified and checked on a scheduled cadence.