MST-PSB is an intensive, evidence-based, in-home treatment model specifically adapted to treat youth with problematic sexual behaviors while keeping them safely in their homes and communities — backed by over 25 years of rigorous clinical research and proven outcomes.
25+ Years
Long-Term Longitudinal Research
Top Rating
Blueprints Certified “Model” Program
Rating 1
CEBC: Well-Supported by Research Evidence
100%
In-Home & Community-Based
Who Qualifies For MST-PSB?
Age:
Youth ages 10–17. Must begin the program prior to their 18th birthday.
Target Behaviors:
Youth has engaged in problematic or illegal sexual behaviors where there was an identified victim other than the client. MST-PSB also accepts youth displaying risky sexual behaviors (RSB) that do not involve an identified victim, such as excessive pornography use, sending inappropriate texts or images, or promiscuity.
Insurance Coverage:
Covered by Medicaid. MST-PSB does not currently accept private pay or commercial insurance.
Family Engagement:
At least one adult caregiver in the family is willing to actively participate in treatment services.
Systemic Risk Factors:
May exhibit co-occurring non-sexual delinquent behaviors, peer difficulties, school truancy, or family conflict.
Community Safety:
Youth can safely remain in the home and community under an individualized safety plan.
What Can Be Expected
Comprehensive Care in Natural Settings:
Treatment provided directly in the home, school, and community environments rather than an office or clinic.
Time-Limited Treatment:
Typical duration of 5 to 7 months (slightly longer than standard MST to allow for thorough safety planning and clarification).
24/7 Availability:
Therapists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for crisis intervention and ongoing support.
Immediate Safety Planning:
Development of individualized safety and supervision plans to mitigate risk across home, school, and community settings from Day 1.
Therapeutic Clarification Process:
A structured process helping the youth take full accountability, process underlying drivers, and reduce caregiver denial.
Small Caseloads:
Therapists maintain small caseloads (3 to 5 families) to enable multiple intensive sessions each week.
Normative Development:
Guidance and education promoting age-appropriate, healthy sexual development and normative peer relations.
Outcomes for Youth with Problem Sexual Behaviors
Results sustained over long-term follow-ups — proven through randomized controlled trials.
85%
Fewer Sexual Reoffenses
Sustained over a 25-year longitudinal follow-up study compared to standard care
80%
Fewer Days Incarcerated
Significant reduction in adult and juvenile institutional stays
53%
Fewer Non-Sexual Offenses
Substantial reduction in broader criminal and delinquent behaviors
85–95%
Long-Term Non-Reoffense Rate
Youth receiving evidence-based PSB care do not reoffend and grow up to lead non-offending adult lives
The Whole-Family & Safety Ecology Model
MST-PSB treats the youth’s entire natural ecology — family, peers, school, and community — addressing root causes and building caregiver capacity.
3–5 Families
Ultra-low therapist caseloads ensuring high-frequency, in-person ecological interventions
100%
Every family has supervision and safety plans put in place on Day 1 — protecting victims and the community before deeper clinical work begins.
24/7
Round-the-clock therapist access for immediate crisis response and de-escalation
5–7 Months
Tailored treatment timeframe focused on lasting behavioral change and skill generalization
New Mexico’s Youth & Behavioral Health Landscape at a Glance
85–95%
Of adolescents with problem sexual behaviors who receive specialized, evidence-based care do not reoffend sexually
80%
Reduction in adult incarceration days for youth treated through MST-PSB compared to traditional care
100%
Medicaid coverage available in NM for eligible youth, removing financial barriers for families and referring courts
Independently Certified, Nationally Recognized
Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development has certified MST-PSB as a “Model Program” — its highest tier of evidence-based designation. MST-PSB is also awarded a Scientific Rating 1 (Well-Supported by Research Evidence) by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC) and recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and SAMHSA.
Official Sources & Further Reading:
MST Associates: Problem Sexual Behavior Overview ·
MST-PSB Research Summary & Results ·
California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse (CEBC) Program Profile ·
Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development ·
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology: 24.9-Year Follow-Up Study of MST-PSB
