NC START Therapeutic Centers

The START Model

The NC START model provides prevention and intervention services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and complex behavioral needs through crisis response, training, consultation, and respite. The goal is to create a support network that is able to respond to crisis needs at the community level. Allowing an individual to remain in their home or in a community placement is a top priority.

A Person-Centered Approach

The person-centered approach includes fostering mutual respect and partnerships between service providers, individuals, and families. It involves listening, collaborating, and empowering individuals to take an active role in treatment and decision making. It also promotes open dialogue between providers and individuals to prevent misunderstandings, improve satisfaction, and promote the understanding of strengths.

Purpose of the Resource Centers

  • To provide a positive, therapeutic environment
  • To promote a healthy lifestyle through diet and recreational fitness
  • To teach skills and coping strategies
  • To provide the support that caregivers and individuals need in order to receive effective services and supports

Resource Center Staff

Qualified, well-trained resource counselors are on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer support, monitoring, provide treatment, and meaningful engagement via therapeutic activities and outings in the community. Resource counselors provide training for activities of daily living, independent living skills, social and coping skills. Our counselors are also well versed in person-centered crisis prevention and intervention. In addition, our Resource Center has a Nurse, Medical Director, and Clinical Director to collaborate with medication and behavior education with clinical consultation.

Resource Center Therapeutic Activities and Outings

  • Circle Program (social awareness and boundaries)
  • Sensory Room and Activities
  • Karaoke
  • Painting
  • Self Portraits (identity development)
  • My Plate Healthy Eating
  • Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
  • Zumba at the YMCA
  • Aquarium Visits
  • Seasonal Festivals
  • Local Farmer’s Markets
  • And many more!

*Therapeutic activities and outings are subject to change based on individual needs*

Resource Centers

NC START East Resource Center

The NC START East Resource Center serves the Eastern region of North Carolina (all areas east of Interstate 95). The Resource Center has a total of 4 beds: 2 beds for planned admissions and 2 beds for crisis admissions to support individuals 18 years and older. Planned admissions are based on need and are typically between one night and seven days. Crisis admissions usually stay for four weeks.

The START team collaborates with other support teams to ensure that every individual we serve can be successful upon return to the community.

WEST TEAM (888) 974-2937

Serving the 37 counties of Western North Carolina