Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
What is Multisystemic Therapy (MST)?
The MST therapist works around-the-clock as necessary to empower parents/caregivers to provide structure, monitoring rules, rewards and consequences, warmth and affection to guide their youth away from high-risk behavior. School personnel, neighbors, peers, and extended family may also be involved with the youth and family in the treatment process to ensure a fully coordinated systemic approach for long-term success. MST goals include keeping youth at home and in school or working, now law violations, no substance use, and improved family relationships.
Vera French operates the 1st MST Team in Iowa.
Who Does MST Help?
MST helps youth ages 12-17 who are at risk of out-of-home placement or incarceration due to serious behavior issues like family conflict, running away, substance use, truancy, or legal trouble. MST works closely with parents and caregivers to create accountability and support, helping youth succeed at home, in school, at work, and in relationships. Long-term studies show lasting positive outcomes for youth and their families even after 22 years after receiving service.
The MST Path Away from At-Risk Behavior:
- Youth’s navigate behavior
- Family conflict
- MST involvement
- MST focuses on system & environment change
- Family learns conflict and resolution skills
- System change creates positive environment for youth
- Youth remains in home
Since 2019, Vera French has built a dedicated and effective MST team serving the Quad Cities. At the heart of MST is the belief that families play a crucial role in guiding at-risk youth in Iowa toward positive change.
Referral Qualifications:
- Between the ages of 11 and 17.
- Parents or guardians need to be available and somewhat willing to work with MST staff.
- There needs to be primary behavioral problems at home, school, in the community, or with peers.
- Issues cannot be primarily psychiatric, the youth has to be able to live at home or transition into a home.
- Vera French MST is NOT provided at detention centers.
Because of generous support from the Hubbell Waterman Foundation, Scott County Regional Authority, Regional Development Authority, and Genesis Philanthropy, Vera French was able to bring the MST treatment model to the Quad Cities.
Why Choose Us?
MST delivers superior clinical and financial results with community reduction in incarcerations, mental health services, and crime rates. MST also features the largest body of evidence of successful intervention programs for high-risk youth.
To refer to our Vera French MST team, please complete the Program Referral Form.
More MST information and resources can be found at the links below:
Infographic Resources provided by MST: