MST

Multi Systemic Therapy for antisocial and delinquent youth
Rachel van der Rijken and Aurelie Lange

Multi Systemic Therapy (MST) has been established as an effective treatment for youth with serious antisocial behaviour. The promising results of various controlled clinical trials in the United States have led to a worldwide dissemination of MST. In the Netherlands, the implementation of MST started in 2004. Although the effectiveness of MST has been established in the United States, little is known about treatment effects in the Dutch population.

Our research is aimed at establishing the short- and long-term outcomes of MST and identifying factors predictive of treatment outcome. A monitoring system was set up to obtain standardised information on youth and family demographics, child behaviour problems, parental stress, treatment integrity, and treatment outcomes.  

In addition to effectiveness, the transportability of MST guidelines to Dutch circumstances will be investigated. For instance, the MST position statement on the use of interpreters will be evaluated and Dutch normative data will be obtained for the Therapist Adherence Measure. 

For more information on MST, please visit the following websites: http://www.mst-nederland.nl and http://www.mstservices.com