MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) Program
MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence-based intervention for youth at high-risk for out-of-home placement due to their mental health needs, juvenile justice involvement, or substance use. The MST approach works to build on the strengths of the youth in all areas of their lives, including home, immediate and extended family, peers, school, and community. MST operates with a steadfast strengths-based perspective of families, always assuming they are doing the best they can with what they have within their own unique circumstances. Together, the youth and their support system, along with their MST Team, work to address the concerning behavior and reduce high-risk conduct with the goal of keeping the youth in the community.
MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) Program
MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) is currently available to eligible youth between the ages of 12 to 17 residing in Guadalupe, Caldwell and Gonzales Counties.
What is MultiSystemic Therapy (MST)?
Central to the MST approach is the understanding that the focus is not just on the youth, but on the entire ecology of the youth – their family, peers, school, and neighborhood. The goal of MST is to help the youth and families work together to improve the real-world functioning of youth with resources to change their natural settings in ways that promote social responsibility while reducing difficult behavior. The community-based and family-driven MST services empower caregivers to solve current and future problems. MST Teams provide immediate support to families when and where it is needed in the home, school and community with the ultimate goal of keeping the youth out of placement.
Why MST Works?
MST is an evidence-based program that empowers youth (aged 12-17) and their families to function responsibly over the long term. MST reduces delinquent and antisocial behavior by addressing the core causes of such conduct — and views the client as a network of systems including family, peers, school, and neighborhood. Therapists have small caseloads and provide services in the home at times convenient to the family. The average length of treatment is between 3 and 5 months, and therapists are held accountable for achieving change and positive outcomes.
MST Program Referral Criteria
Example behaviors of youth that might benefit from the MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) approach:
- Theft and other criminal behaviors
- Aggressive/violent/assaultive behavior
- Substance abuse
- Selling substances
- Chronic school absences and/or problem behaviors at school
- Sexual offenses in conjunction with other anti-social behavior
Examples of system responses that the MST Program seeks to avoid:
- Out-of-home placement
- Arrest and/or charges
- Violation of probation
- School expulsion
- Child Welfare Involvement
MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) Brochure
The MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) Program brochures can be downloaded by clicking on the following links: MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) Brochure & MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) Brochure_Spanish
Administration:
1009 North Georgetown Street
Round Rock, Texas 78664
For Appointments or Information:
844-309-6385
24-Hour Crisis Hotline:
800-841-1255
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services as a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant dollars either directly from FTA or through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), will comply with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d), the U.S. Department of Transportation implementing regulations, FTA Circular 4702.lB, and TxDOT PTN requirements as specified in Master Grant Agreement, and State Management Plan. Our Title VI Plan can be viewed here: Title VI Plan 2023-2026