Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is a service for families experiencing significant challenges with children and adolescents whose development and wellbeing are at risk. MST is family-focused and aims to provide effective, efficient, and local support to families in crisis. Following a child and adolescent psychiatric assessment, incorporating multisystemic perspectives, family difficulties and mental health conditions are treated using evidence-based approaches. Through intensive, home-based family therapy, solutions are developed collaboratively — for example, in family systems where parents live separately or when a child or adolescent is returning home following a period in residential care. MST therapists work together with all key people within the wider social environment, always with the consent of the parents.

The treatment goals are defined at the beginning of therapy together with the family, the social network and the referring agencies. Common goals include:

• Creating an emotionally warm family atmosphere and strengthening family relationships.
• Improving family communication and cooperation for the benefit of the child — including between separated parents.
• Strengthening parents’ confidence and skills in raising their children, as well as increasing their sensitivity to their children’s needs.
• Developing strategies for resolving social problems both within and outside the family.
• Activating resources within the social environment (relatives, friends, professional support networks, schools/training providers, doctors and healthcare professionals) to support the child and the parents.
• Establishing positive relationships with peers and encouraging participation in pro-social activities.
• Reducing psychological distress among all family members (for example, anxiety, social withdrawal, low mood, impulsivity, restlessness, and aggression).
• Reducing behavioural and performance difficulties at school or in the workplace through intensive collaboration with schools and vocational training providers.

• Home-based setting: Therapy takes place exactly where the difficulties occur.
• Very high treatment intensity: Three to four appointments per week.
• 24/7 availability: A team member is on call around the clock, seven days a week.
• Involvement of support networks: All relevant support systems are included in the treatment process.
• Ongoing quality assurance: Regular assessments are carried out to evaluate whether the therapy is successful and how satisfied families are with MST treatment. This means that families are asked during and after treatment about their progress and their experiences of working with MST therapists.
• Weekly interdisciplinary case supervision provided by team leaders, MST experts, and the medical director.

• In the canton of Basel-Stadt, registrations are made exclusively through the Child and Youth Service Basel-Stadt (KJD) or the Youth Prosecutor’s Office (JugA).
• Funding for Multisystemic Therapy is provided through a combination of contributions from the canton and health insurance providers.
• Outpatient child and adolescent psychiatric, psychotherapeutic, and family therapy services are billed through the child’s basic health insurance under the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG). It is therefore essential that children remain covered by Swiss health insurance throughout the entire treatment period.
• Referrals from outside the canton are possible with a guarantee of payment from the responsible cantonal authority, such as the relevant Youth Prosecutor’s Office or social services department.

Further information is available from MST Services here.