ABSTRACT
This chapter describes Multisystemic Therapy® (MST®), an evidence-based treatment for high-risk youth. Guided by nine principles and a detailed analytical process, MST is a family- and community-based treatment that considers a youth’s developmental stage and the social/ecological contexts in which s/he is embedded when designing the intervention plan. Indeed, MST interventions are tailored to the needs of the individual and target known risk factors for clinical problems in the contexts of the family, peer network, school, and community. This chapter includes a detailed description of the MST treatment model, including a summary of its social/ecological conceptual underpinnings and the characteristics of MST implementation. A case example is presented to illustrate clinical aspects of the MST approach. In addition, the evidence base for MST outcomes is summarized through efficacy, effectiveness, and independent replication studies. Finally, the chapter provides a brief overview of adaptations to the standard MST model for different high-risk groups.
