Our goal is to develop, enhance and strengthen the ability of children and their families to reduce their trauma related symptoms and live fulfilling lives
The Boston Services for Trauma And Resources (STAR) for families program is 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’s 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.
Treatment through Boston Services for Trauma and Resources for families (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. Boston STAR Services are available to children and adolescents under 18 who receive medical care at BMC or one of our affiliated community health centers. If your child receives care elsewhere, please contact your pediatrician for referrals to behavioral health supports
Request an Appointment
Make an appointment by phone: 617.414.3820
New Patients: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry phone number: 617.414.4561
Contact Us
Call (617) 414-3820 or email BostonSTAR@bmc.org for questions about the Boston STAR program including:
- Rescheduling an appointment
- Directions to our offices
- Hearing more about any of the services we provide
- Other questions about the program
Treatments and Services
Psychotherapy: 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’s needs, strengths, challenges, and goals. Treatment focuses on understanding a child’s in the moment responses and working closely with the child’s family and environments (home, school, and community) to support new and more adaptive coping. Your child’s 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.
Medication: 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.
Our Team
Ashley Jackson, LCSW
Greysha Berrios, MA
Yaritza Bonilla, BA
Daisy Perez, MPH, Program Evaluator
Yaritza Bonilla, BA, Family Navigator
Joselyn Gil, Research Assistant