Support, Treatment, and Resilience Program at McLean

Our approach to care

An individual may be at risk for developing psychosis if they have experienced a new onset of mild psychosis symptoms within the past year or have had a recent decline in functioning and also have a close relative (e.g., sibling, parent) who has experienced psychosis.

If you or your loved one started experiencing any of these changes within the past year, STAR may be able to help:

• Feeling confused about whether something was a dream or if it happened
• Changes in thought content (including suspiciousness), emerging odd thoughts, or unusual beliefs
• Perceptual experiences, such as increased sensitivity to sights, sounds, hearing one’s name being called, or hearing or seeing things that others do not
• Wondering whether others can read your mind
• Finding meaningful connections between unrelated events
• Difficulty thinking clearly/concentrating or expressing thoughts
• Decreased motivation
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• New problems at school or work, including a decline in grades or difficulty completing assignments
• Trouble maintaining hygiene

STAR is covered by most insurance carriers. Length of treatment varies depending on the needs of the individual. Maximum length of treatment is 3 years.

For those who are seeking treatment following a first episode of psychosis, please consider the OnTrack Program.

The goal of the STAR Program is to intervene early to decrease risk factors related to psychosis, promote mental well-being, develop coping skills, and improve functioning at home, school, work, and in social settings.

For young adults who experience symptoms related to risk for psychosis, evidence indicates that strengthening resilience-enhancing skills and treating any psychiatric symptoms as early as possible may help to reduce the risk of developing serious mental health conditions, decrease distress, prevent declines in work and school performance, and improve one’s ability to have meaningful and satisfying social relationships.

With a focus on resilience and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, the STAR Program helps teens and young adults understand their unique risk factors related to psychosis risk and develop skills and customized wellness plans to manage symptoms, stress, emotions, and uncertainty.

STAR’s clinicians focus on assisting patients to maintain daily routines, set and meet goals, foster supportive social networks, and engage in self-care.

Treatment is customized for each individual, with different treatment components included dependent on the patient’s clinical needs and recovery goals.

Our staff creates treatment plans geared to the specific needs, values, identities, strengths, and culture of the individual.

Treatment can include:

• Psychosis risk assessment, treatment planning, and education
• A brief course of psychotherapy for psychosis risk symptoms
• Combined treatment including ongoing individual therapy, medication treatment, and if indicated, brief family therapy

An important part of our mission is to work toward developing effective and individualized treatments by conducting scientific research. Therefore, we also provide opportunities to voluntarily participate in research studies aimed at understanding early identification and intervention for psychosis risk. Though patients may be asked to take part in research, participation is not required and does not affect access to care.

The STAR Program is ideal for adolescents and young adults ages 16–30 who are experiencing changes in thoughts, behavior, emotions, or functioning in the past year and have been identified as being at risk for developing psychosis.

Our outpatient program is for individuals who live in Massachusetts.

Please note that the STAR Program is not a first episode of psychosis program. STAR is not appropriate for individuals who have a new or established psychosis diagnosis (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression with psychosis, etc.), or who have been recently hospitalized for psychosis symptoms.

Speaking with a trained professional about diagnosis and treatment is a critical first step in early intervention and in understanding and addressing the problem.

For further information about the program or to get help for yourself or your loved one, please call 617-855-4519.

STAR is covered by most insurance providers.

McLean Hospital accepts Medicare, Massachusetts Medicaid, and many private insurance and managed care plans. Learn more information on insurance providers accepted by McLean Hospital.

You may also find it beneficial to review information on patient billing and financial assistance.

Frequently asked questions