Teen START

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:

Care coordination, including referral and advocacy for connection to services
Continued participation for enrolled clients up to age 24, with vocational support towards a successful transition out of the program
Psychiatric services, including comprehensive assessments and medication management
Harm reduction services, including overdose prevention education and supply distribution 
Therapy and psychoeducation for individuals, groups, and families
Vocational counseling to support employment, education, and community participation goals 

10%

NYC high school students who attempted suicide in 2021¹

1476

therapy sessions conducted in 2023 

1337

telehealth visits conducted in 2023

Services

Treatment Planning

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.

Individual, Family, and Group Therapy

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.  

Medication Management

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.   

Psychoeducation

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  

Teen START offers fully remote and hybrid programming to ensure young people throughout the NYC metro area can access care. 

More programs

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Opioid

Treatment Programs

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REACH Intensive Outpatient Program

REACH

Intensive Outpatient Program

Providing specialty care and community for adults with poly-substance use and/or co-occurring mental health disorders 

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Teen START

Teen START

Providing individualized mental health and psychiatric care to young people seeking additional supports to thrive in their family, school, and social lives  

Read more

Wellness 
starts here.

  (800) 211-0996
  intake@startny.org
 
StartCare℠ also offers telehealth options for low-barrier access to our services.

 

For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, call emergency services at 911.

Appointment Request