Research&Development

Over the last two years, Starr Commonwealth has celebrated the growth of our direct service behavioral health clinics. While new, larger offices are certainly exciting, our pride comes from our ability to serve even more children as a result. Throughout 2021, the theme of growth continues, and is now accompanied by themes of impact and influence.

In September of 2020, Starr Behavioral Health moved from its original space opened in 2019 to a larger space still located in Harper Woods. “In order to expand our practice, both to fulfill the need for behavioral health services as well as to evolve and expand in our offerings, this move is both critical and inspiring for our clinicians,” explains Starr Director of Behavioral Health Becca Gerlach. “The space is better equipped to see clients and expand our services.” This expansion has resulted in the hiring of 4 new staff members, each of which had previously been interns in Starr’s office.

In addition to Starr’s new office, services are also now available in dedicated space in the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Presence at Children’s Hospital allows Starr to not only serve more clients, but provides more effective wraparound services not previously offered at one of the premiere locations for children’s health in metro Detroit. In addition to Starr Behavioral Health’s expanded impact, its influence has been recognized on the national stage through publication in the Journal of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychotherapy. This article regarding sensory-based, trauma assessment and intervention is available at starr.org/journal

“What began as a small team dedicated to putting Starr’s theories into practice has grown into an industry-leader in the state of Michigan,” says Gerlach. “I am incredibly proud of what this team has been capable of, as well as our partners who recognize the growing need for services such as ours. The result is better experiences for the kids who need it most—critical support to ensure this generation is our most resilient yet. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for each child reached, as well as for our staff always rising to the next opportunity for healing.”