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5 Benefits of Multisystemic Therapy

Multisystemic therapy is an evidence-based practice used to treat a variety of mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. Also called MST, multisystemic therapy is a family-oriented holistic approach to helping individuals suffering from addiction and mental illness. It is one of the most effective treatments for youth with complex mental health needs.

If you or a loved one would like to know more about multisystemic therapy benefits, call Zelus Recovery today at 208.518.0797. Our multisystemic therapy program in Idaho is designed to help individuals and families create lasting, sustainable change. Our experienced team is committed to creating lasting positive change in our patients’ lives.

What Is Multisystemic Therapy?

Multisystemic therapy is a family-based form of therapy that takes into account the interrelatedness of all aspects, or “systems,” involved in mental illness, such as parents, siblings, school, and work. The goal of multisystemic therapy is to provide comprehensive treatment for individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health issues.

Multisystemic therapy focuses on the following:

  • Helping individuals build positive coping skills and develop healthy relationships with their family members, peers, teachers, and other support systems in order to resolve the underlying causes of addiction or mental illness.
  • Providing social support to ensure long-term success with sobriety and mental health.
  • Providing education, training, and guidance to families on how to support their loved one’s recovery.
  • Developing strategies for effective communication, problem-solving, stress management, and emotional regulation.
  • Teaching individuals how to recognize triggers that can lead to relapse or a return of symptoms.

Multisystemic therapy is also highly effective in treating co-occurring conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

Benefits of Multisystemic Therapy

The following are some of the major benefits of multisystemic therapy:

Timely Treatment 

MST focuses on providing timely treatment for individuals suffering from addiction and mental health issues. It allows clinicians to quickly assess the situation, develop an individualized treatment plan, and provide care in a timely manner. This ensures that individuals receive support as quickly as possible without having to wait weeks or months for traditional therapy appointments. 

Cost-Effective Care 

MST is also cost-effective compared to other forms of therapy due to its shorter duration of treatment and increased efficiency. MST often takes only three to four months to complete, which reduces the overall cost of care significantly compared to other methods that can take up to six months or longer. Additionally, because MST focuses on providing support within existing resources, it eliminates the need for additional services such as inpatient care or residential treatment centers, both of which can be expensive.    

Improved Outcomes 

Studies have shown that MST leads to better outcomes than traditional psychotherapy treatments. In particular, studies have found that MST leads to improved social functioning in patients with severe mental illness and substance abuse problems. MST has been found to reduce recidivism rates in individuals with substance abuse problems. Therefore, MST may be an effective option for individuals who have relapsed or are at risk of relapse. Finally, MST has been shown to reduce hospital stays for those with severe mental illness and lead them into more stable living situations.   

Family Involvement 

One of the key benefits of MST is its emphasis on involving family members in the recovery process. With traditional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), it can be difficult for families and loved ones not directly involved in therapy sessions to understand what their loved one is going through and how they can help them recover from their condition or addiction issue. However, with MST, family members are actively included in all aspects of the recovery process so they can gain an understanding of their loved one’s situation and help them along their journey towards sobriety or improved mental well-being.

Holistic Approach 

MST provides a holistic approach by focusing on all aspects of an individual’s life, including their:

  • Physical health
  • Emotional well-being
  • Relationships with family members
  • Social support network
  • Vocational goals

Rather than just focusing on one particular aspect, like traditional therapies, all areas are addressed during treatment.

Discover Multisystemic Therapy at Zelus Recovery

Multisystemic therapy is an evidence-based practice designed to treat individuals suffering from addiction or mental health issues such as depression or anxiety disorders. Its holistic approach allows clinicians to quickly assess each individual’s unique needs, develop tailored care plans, provide timely treatment, involve family members, and improve overall outcomes while also being cost-effective. If you are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, consider looking into multisystemic therapy as part of your recovery journey. Contact us at 208.518.0797 to learn more about the benefits of multisystemic therapy today.