Can a special therapy keep young offenders out of trouble?
NCT ID NCT03035877
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a therapy called Multisystemic Therapy-Emerging Adults (MST-EA) for young people aged 16-26 with substance use issues and recent arrests. The therapy works with the young adult and their social network at home and in the community to reduce criminal behavior and substance use. Researchers compared it to standard treatment and measured changes in criminal charges, substance use, and life skills over 16 months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Multisystemic Therapy-Emerging Adults (MST-EA) - a home- and community-based behavioral therapy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this therapy could provide an effective way to reduce criminal behavior and substance use in young adults, helping them build stable, productive lives.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed study with 183 participants, so results are available but may not apply to all settings. Behavioral interventions can vary in effectiveness depending on individual circumstances and support systems.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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North American Family Institute
Hamden, Connecticut, 06518, United States
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North American Family Institute
Hartford, Connecticut, 06114, United States
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North American Family Institute
New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States
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Youth Villages
Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, United States
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