MaineHealth Behavioral Health provides expert multisystemic therapy (MST) services for at-risk youth. Young people are strongly influenced by the "systems" around them - family, peer, school, neighborhood. MST helps promote positive behavior changes within their natural environments.
Family-focused care for at-risk youth
MST is intensive, family-focused, treatment for youth ages 12 - 17 who demonstrate problem behaviors and are at risk for out-of-home placement at a juvenile detention facility or residential treatment programs.
MST Goals
- Decrease behavioral issues and clinical symptoms
- Empower parents/caregivers to address future adolescent behavioral issues
- Reduce out-of-home placements
MST for Problem Sexual Behavior (MST-PSB) is a unique treatment program designed to serve youth and family in their community. It is an intensive, goal-oriented treatment program that addresses the many factors that impact problem sexual behavior. MST-PSB is designed for youth ages 10 -17.
MST-PSB benefits
- Reduced long-term rates of crime by juvenile offenders
- Decreased re-arrests and incarcerations
- Reduced alcohol and drug use
- Improvements in family functioning
- Decreased behavior and mental health problems
- Reduced days on probation and confinement when juveniles who complete the program reach adulthood
- Reduced recidivism of problem sexual behaviors and accountability
More about our services
MST therapists are available 24/7 with on-call support for patients and families. They can provide prompt response in urgent situations. Therapists are also supported by a team and provide services in the youth's and family's natural environments, including home, school and community.
Length of Treatment
- The typical length of treatment for MST lasts 3-5 months for 4-6 hours a week.
- MST-PSB can last 6-8 months for 6-8 hours a week.
- Youths (ages 12-17 for MST and 10-17 for MST-PSB) who are at high risk for out-of-home placements (such as juvenile detention facilities, residential treatment program and/or hospitals).
- MST/MST-PSB is home-based therapy, so providers work directly and intensively with all family members.
MST/MST-PSB is available in Cumberland and York Counties.
Integrated Behavioral Health Care
Counseling, therapy and other behavioral health services are available onsite at most MaineHealth primary care practices. Contact your primary care provider for more information.
MaineHealth Behavioral Health
Please call 844-292-0111 for more information about behavioral health care services, or to make an appointment.