Multisystemic Therapy
Family Service’s MST (multisystemic therapy) program is an intensive home/family and community-based treatment for youth who are at risk of out-of-home placement or who are returning home from placement because of problems related to an emotional/behavioral disorders. The model is based on empirical data and evidence-based interventions that target specific behaviors with individualized behavioral interventions.
Specialized therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions are available to address specific areas of need such as substance abuse, delinquency, violent behavior, etc. Services include an initial assessment to identify the focus of the MST interventions to be used with the individual and family. Services are provided through the MST team approach to individuals and their families. MST strives to change how youth function in their natural setting (i.e. home, school, and neighborhood). Thus, services are primarily provided in the home, but the MST therapist may also intervene at school and in other community settings.
The primary goals of MST are to
- Help alleviate symptoms of mental illness;
- Reduce youth criminal activity, reduce antisocial behavior;
- Improve the quality of life of children/youth and their families;
- Reduce/prevent the long-term hospitalization of children and youth; and
- Achieve these outcomes at a cost savings by decreasing rates of incarcerations and out of home placements of children and youth.
The purpose of this program is to provide empirically grounded, evidence-based treatment and integrated behavioral health services for eligible families who receive services through the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) in the New Orleans region. The service will be provided in the form of Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST). The Family Service MST program contract will serve the Parishes of Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines.
The services are family centered and community-based and are adaptable to meet the individual needs of children and their families. Through this program, families can be preserved and strengthened and the child can be maintained in the least restrictive level of care and will experience improved functioning in the family, social and educational environments.
