National Center for START Services®

National Center for START Services®
a coloring book style artwork with tropical flowers in the background and the words 35 Years of START over the top.
Logo for National Center for START Services

The National Center for START Services® (NCSS) is an initiative that works to strengthen efficiencies and service outcomes for people with IDD and mental health needs in the community. The National Center was established at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability in 2011 to provide technical assistance, clinical expertise, training, and consultation services that support the development of:

  • Comprehensive evaluation of services and systems of care
  • A systems linkage approach to service provision
  • Expert assessment and clinical support
  • Outcomes-based research and evaluation
  • Short-term therapeutic resources and opportunities
  • Cross-systems crisis prevention and intervention planning
  • Family support, education and outreach
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration

START Stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment.

Blog

A young woman with cognitive disability smiles in front of blooming flowers during sunset. The golden hour light enhances the natural beauty of the scene.
Myth Busting: Happiness and People with IDD-MH
NCSS is busting the myth that people with IDD-MH are always happy. Learn More

Departments

A group of people with disabilities enjoying a gardening activity
START Model
START Model

Learn more

Hundreds of people at a conference focused on the speaker on the center stage.
Training & Professional Development
Training & Professional Development

Learn More

People talking in front of a research poster
Research & Evaluation
Research & Evaluation

Learn More