Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive, family-based treatment approach that helps youth ages 12-17 decrease and prevent anti-social and delinquent behaviors.
Multisystemic Therapy at Family Services of NW PA is designed to decrease rates of antisocial behavior, improve family functioning, and promote behavior change in the youth's natural environment. It helps youth with chronic, delinquent behavior and/or serious emotional problems, such as:
- Criminal behavior
- Aggressive behavior
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Running away
- Truancy and/or Academic problems
- Serious disrespect and/or Disobedience
Goals of Multisystemic Therapy:
- Provide effective, comprehensive, family-based treatment for youths and their families
- Improve communication and cohesion among families of chronic & violent offenders
- Reduce recidivism among chronic juvenile offenders
- Reduce out of home placements
Multisystemic Therapy is delivered by master's-level trained therapists. The youth and family have multiple contacts with the therapist each week, totaling approximately three (3) hours.
Referrals:
Multisystemic Therapy is available to youth ages 12-17 years old. To qualify, at least one adult caregiver must participate in treatment.
Referrals to Multisystemic Therapy can be made through:
- Children and Youth Services
- Mental Health Base Service Unit
- Juvenile Probation Office
Self-referrals can be made by calling Family Services of NW PA at 814-866-4500.
