SSTARbirth is the only specialty program of its kind, in the state of Rhode Island. We are a family reunification program and women participate in treatment with their young children. SSTARbirth opened its doors to its first client in January 1994. The program allows for 6 months of treatment and has the capacity for 12 women and 24 children.

The SSTARbirth program provides gender-sensitive services that focus on a woman’s sources of strength and resiliency. Using a holistic approach directed toward helping a woman heal her mind, body and spirit, we rely on the principles and traditions of AA/NA to help women become abstinent. The program services include, but are not limited to: individual counseling; psychiatric evaluations and medication management; case management; group therapy; co-occurring disorder education; substance abuse education; relapse prevention; expressive arts; Seeking Safety trauma curriculum; Helping Women Recover curriculum; Nurturing Families parenting program; onsite licensed daycare; transportation; transitional support and continuing care. We collaborate with other agencies in the community to offer specialty psycho-educational groups such as nutrition, health and wellness, domestic violence, HIV education, and Early Intervention services for children under 3 years of age.

SSTARbirth’s multidisciplinary team includes; a Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, Mental Health Specialist, Substance Abuse Counselors, Case Manager, Education Coordinator and Head Teacher, as well as other support staff. In addition, SSTARbirth employs a daytime and evening driver to provide safe and timely transportation to appointments and minimize the disruption to treatment.

By providing treatment in a safe and caring environment SSTARbirth allows clients to strengthen their health, find their recovery and nurture their children while helping women learn to integrate their recovery program with their parenting responsibilities.