Learn more about Multisystemic Therapy:
MST Locations
MST services at Kennebec Behavioral Health (KBH) are available to youth and their families in Kennebec Somerset, Knox, Lincoln, Franklin, Waldo, Sagadahoc, Penobscot, Southern Piscataquis, Western Hancock, and Androscoggin Counties. Therapy sessions happen in the community—at home, at school, or wherever the challenges are occurring. The goal is to remove barriers to care by bringing the treatment directly to the family.
Referrals Needed? Referral Process for MST:
Yes, referrals for MST services are always needed. Common referral sources include:
- Juvenile Community Corrections Officers (JCCOs)
- DHHS Child Protective caseworkers
- School administrators and social workers
- Outpatient therapists or case managers
- Primary care providers
Referral process:
- Referrals can be made via referrals.kbhmaine.org, by calling our Access Center at 1-888-322-216 or by contacting the MST team directly.
- MST Supervisor reviews the referral for fit and eligibility.
- If accepted, the family is contacted to begin the intake process, and a therapist is assigned.
Eligibility Requirements:
Youth must:
- Be between the ages of 11 and 17.5.
Be at risk of out-of-home placement (e.g., due to juvenile justice involvement, school expulsion, or child protective services involvement). - Be living with a caregiver who is willing and able to participate in therapy several times per week.
- Exhibit serious behavioral issues such as: truancy and academic problems, serious disrespect and disobedience, aggressive behavior (fighting and property destruction), criminal behavior, drug and alcohol use, and running away.
Exclusion criteria include:
- Active suicidal/homicidal ideation requiring hospitalization
- Diagnoses where the primary concern is sexual offending or severe cognitive delays
- Youth not currently living in a stable caregiving environment
Key Program Staff:
Encyeh Tadayyon, Yellow Team Supervisor- 207.649.3760
Angela Ostiguy, Blue Team Supervisor- 207.660.5501
Charles Huerth, Green Team Supervisor- 207.877.4651
Nathan Lizotte, Androscoggin Team Supervisor- 207.660.2364
MST Success Story:
We recently opened services with a new family where there were a total of 34 legal charges against the youth. There were major barriers to basic needs and services and youth was facing additional legal challenges to be remanded back to a Youth Development Center. With the diligent work of the MST Therapist and team guidance, the family was about to develop urgency and hope to resolve these legal challenges. Since opening services, there have been three court hearings where the juvenile court system has been incredibly optimistic about MST services and placed the trust in the program to help resolve legal challenges within the community. There have been no new arrests and legal charges recording since opening services, youth is involved in community services, following conditions of release, and a notable increase in positive family interactions.
Changes/Updates to MST:
- Expanded service area across more counties in Maine.
- Increased team capacity, with four MST teams now serving youth across eleven counties in Maine.
- Enhanced training and fidelity monitoring, ensuring continued adherence to the MST model.
- Closer collaboration with local courts, schools, and DHHS to improve referral coordination and follow-through.
