Emerging Adults

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Evidence-Based Support for Justice-Involved Emerging Adults

Multisystemic Therapy for Emerging Adults (MST-EA) is an intensive, community-based intervention for young adults ages 17–26 with justice involvement and serious behavioral health needs. MST-EA addresses mental health, substance use, safety, housing, employment, and social networks to support stability, reduce reoffending, and promote independent living.

MST offers a suite of evidence-based solutions that support justice-involved emerging adults:

Multisystemic Therapy (MST®)

Multisystemic Therapy (MST®) is the core evidence-based model on which all MST adaptations are built. It supports service systems by addressing serious behavioral challenges through intensive, family- and community-based intervention that reduces placements.

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MST–Emerging Adults (MST-EA®)

MST-EA® is an adaptation of MST designed for justice-involved emerging adults ages 17–26 with serious mental health and behavioral challenges, including young people leaving foster care or other long-term placement. The model targets critical factors for a successful transition to adulthood: social networks, substance use, safety planning, housing, education, employment, and life skills to support independence and reduce continued justice involvement.

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Effective Outcomes for Emerging Adults

Reduced Rearrest and Justice Involvement

MST-EA reduces continued justice involvement by addressing criminogenic risk factors and behavioral health needs simultaneously.

Improved Housing Stability and Independent Living

The model supports emerging adults in securing and maintaining stable housing as they transition to adulthood.

Increased Engagement in Work or Education

MST-EA promotes participation in employment, job training, or education—key drivers of long-term stability.

Reduced Substance Use and Mental Health Crises

By integrating mental health and substance use treatment, MST-EA decreases crisis-driven service use.

Lower System Costs per Young Adult Served

Community-based intervention costs significantly less than incarceration, hospitalization, or residential placement.

Stronger Natural Support Networks

MST-EA strengthens pro-social relationships that replace reliance on systems and services over time.

Proven Results. Lasting Impact.

With over 90 studies and more than 140 peer-reviewed journal articles, Multisystemic Therapy features the largest body of evidence of successful interventions for high-risk youth.

Featured Resources

How to Become an MST Provider: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide will provide you with information on how to implement a successful program in your community.

Cost Savings Report

Guide to Maintaining Fidelity in Evidence-Based Programs

Ready to bring MST to your community?