Youth Mental Health Program
Teen START serves young people who are seeking mental health support related to emotional, behavioral or social challenges. Our teams are committed to supporting all youth to thrive.
This program offers young people ages 12-17:
NYC high school students who attempted suicide in 2021¹
therapy sessions conducted in 2023
telehealth visits conducted in 2023
We begin with a comprehensive psychosocial assessment upon intake, which includes diagnosis of mental health conditions and/or relevant recommendations. Following the assessment, the Teen START treatment team works with the participant and their family to develop a treatment plan that includes both short and long-term goals.
Our licensed therapists provide therapy tailored to the individual, where session type and frequency depend on the participant’s needs.
Individual therapy centers on empowering youth towards self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-efficacy in the context of their mental health and social functioning.
Family therapy ensures a participant’s family is equipped to support them in their treatment and work towards a dynamic conducive to everyone’s psychological safety, productive conflict, and positive relationships.
Group therapy offers youth an affirming, communal space with others who may have similar life experiences and challenges.
Our licensed child and adolescent psychiatrists provide medication management services for moderate to severe mental health conditions. They provide psychoeducation regarding risks, benefits, alternatives, side effects and drug-to-drug interactions to participants and families. Psychiatrists are a key part of the treatment team and collaborate closely with participants and staff.
Teen START behavioral health services employ a range of techniques and objectives and can also include the following educational and skill-building services in therapy and treatment planning:
Psychoeducation on mental health, substance use, and wellness, including harm reduction materials
Safety planning for self-harm and suicidal behaviors
Social skills training, conflict resolution, and anger management
Providing holistic, gold standard care, using methadone or buprenorphine, for adults with opioid use disorder
Providing specialty care and community for adults with poly-substance use and/or co-occurring mental health disorders
Providing individualized mental health and psychiatric care to young people seeking additional supports to thrive in their family, school, and social lives
(800) 211-0996
intake@startny.org