The effectiveness of multisystemic therapy (MST): a meta-analysis

Meta-analysis of 22 MST studies. Small-to-moderate effects on delinquency (d=0.20), psychopathology (d=0.32), substance use (d=0.18), and family/peer outcomes. Effects larger when MST is delivered with high fidelity and to youth <15. Replications in DE/NL/UK/CA show somewhat smaller effects than original US trials. Practical takeaway: MST is evidence-based but with realistic, not heroic, effect sizes.