{"id":9114,"date":"2022-03-08T08:49:44","date_gmt":"2022-03-08T13:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/psychiatry\/?page_id=9114"},"modified":"2025-08-11T15:55:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T19:55:25","slug":"boston-star","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/psychiatry\/clinical-services\/boston-star\/","title":{"rendered":"Boston Services for Trauma And Resources for families (STAR)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Boston STAR<\/strong> \u2013Boston Services for Trauma and Resources for families (STAR) \u2013is a program dedicated to providing mental health services to Boston Medical Center patients from birth to 17 years old who have experienced traumatic events. We provide evidence-based trauma treatment that is individualized for each patient\u2019s needs, challenges, strengths, and goals. Our team works closely with children and adolescents, their families, and the social environment such as schools and community supports to strengthen and enhance supports and reduce trauma symptoms to improve overall well-being.<\/p>\n

Treatment through Boston STAR may occur via telehealth or in-person at Boston Medical Center, as clinically appropriate and accessible to the family, and can include referrals for additional clinical supports as indicated.<\/p>\n

Treatments and Services<\/strong><\/p>\n

Psychotherapy:<\/span> The Boston STAR team utilizes evidence based treatment for childhood trauma, including Trauma Systems Therapy (TST). TST is a well-researched and highly flexible approach to trauma treatment that is individualized to fit each patient\u2019s needs, strengths, challenges, and goals. Treatment focuses on understanding a child\u2019s in the moment responses and working closely with the child\u2019s family and environments (home, school, and community) to support new and more adaptive coping. Your child\u2019s clinician will spend time with your child, as well as with you and in communication with others who know your child well, to gain a deep understanding of what supports and strategies may work best for your child, and will support you and your child together as you move through treatment.<\/p>\n

Medication<\/span>: Every child reacts to trauma differently. There may be instances in which medication is needed to support the child\/adolescent. Child and adolescent psychiatrist will evaluate by speaking to the child\/adolescent, therapist, and anyone else who works with the family and child\/adolescent in order to make the best recommendation for medication.<\/p>\n

Contact Us<\/strong><\/p>\n

Call Nicole Ciccone, LICSW, Program Director, at (617) 414-3820 or email us at BostonSTAR@bmc.org<\/a> for questions about the Boston STAR program including:<\/p>\n