National Center for START Services®

National Center for START Services®
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 & systems of care
  • A systems linkage approach to service provision
  • Expert assessment & clinical support
  • Outcomes-based research & evaluation
  • Short-term therapeutic resources & opportunities
  • Cross-systems crisis prevention & intervention planning
  • Family support, education & outreach
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration

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

NCSS Departments
Doctor speaking to a group of professionals
START Program Development
START Program Development

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Training & Professional Development
Training & Professional Development

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Research & Evaluation
Research & Evaluation

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START Model Overview

Presenter: 
Joan B. Beasley, PhD
Research Professor, University of New Hampshire
Former Director, National Center for START Services®

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the START model, including its history, mission and values, approaches, and current implementation across the United States. 

For more information about NCSS and the START model, please contact us at start.iod@unh.edu.

START Documentary Film

NOW WE HAVE HOPE: The Strength of the START Community

The START Film, produced by award-winning documentary filmmaker Dan Habib and the Center for START Services, captures the unique and groundbreaking practices and philosophies of the START model. START’s impact is viewed through the perspectives of START clients, family members, and local service providers in Fort Worth, Texas, New York City, and Durham, North Carolina.

NCSS Resources

Resource Category Topic Type
Integrated Mental Health Treatment Guidelines for Prescribers in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Integrated Mental Health Treatment Guidelines for Prescribers in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities offers an overview of integrated health…
Behavioral Health & Wellness, Health & Genetics Healthcare Books & E-Books