Multisystemic Therapy Psychiatric
Program Overview
Multisystemic Therapy: Psychiatric Care (MST-Psych) is a specialized version of the MST model, designed for families whose children are facing serious psychiatric and behavioral challenges that put them at risk of leaving home for a correctional or psychiatric facility.
MST-Psych works with youth ages 9 to 17 who are dealing with complex mental health conditions alongside behavioral concerns. This might include thought disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, substance use, or a combination of these. For many of these young people, multiple challenges are occurring simultaneously, making the need for coordinated, intensive support all the more critical.
The goal is to help youth stabilize and thrive without having to leave home. That means reducing behavioral problems, easing psychiatric symptoms, decreasing suicidal behaviors, and strengthening the family relationships that make long-term stability possible. MST-Psych also supports improved school attendance and helps families build the tools they need to manage challenges as they come up, not just during a crisis.
Like all MST programs, this one is built around the family. Intervention is intensive and home-based, with treatment shaped by the family’s own goals and circumstances. The focus is always on keeping youth safe and supported in their homes and communities whenever that is a realistic and achievable outcome.
Population Served
Youth ages 9-17 and their families
Location
Beaver, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Elk, Forest, Lawrence, and Warren Counties.
Program Impact
Two suicide attempts. Four hospitalizations. An overdose on antidepressants.
This was Angie’s life between the ages of 6 and 16. Nothing seemed to work, and her parents felt helpless and paralyzed. When her mom reached out to MHY for help, she learned about an in-home treatment program called Multisystemic Therapy – Psychiatric (MST-Psych). This evidence-based approach delivers scientifically proven results, addressing serious behavioral challenges, mental health symptoms, and suicidal behaviors.
After just three months of in-home treatment, Angie’s mom began to see noticeable, hopeful changes.
“This program gave us our daughter back,” she said. “Our daughter has been drug-free, has not been hospitalized, and is attending school again. She is looking like a happy and healthy teen.”
When asked about her progress in MST-Psych, Angie said: “I really do think it saved my life.”
“MST-Psych has truly empowered me. I can’t even begin to explain the changes I’ve seen in our home.”
Eligibility & Referral Process
Referrals to the MST program are typically made through Child Welfare agencies, Juvenile Justice systems, school and educational professionals, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other behavioral and mental health providers. Youth and families who meet program criteria may also self-refer, with assistance, to access MHY’s MST services. Referral processes may vary by region.
Youth and families are typically referred to the MST program through:
– Child welfare agencies
– Juvenile justice systems
– School and educational professionals
– Psychologists and psychiatrists
– Other behavioral and mental health providers
– Youth and families who meet program criteria may also self-refer
Assistance is available to help eligible families.
MST-PSYCH Referral Forms
MST-Psychiatric Referral Form→
(Complete the form and email to: Director: Lukas Carothers lcarothers@mhyfamilyservices.org)
Intensive Behavioral Health Services Written Order Template →(Carelon Health Options)
Intensive Behavioral Health Services Written Order Template→(CCBHO)