Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR) is committed to helping children, youth and young adults grow into happy healthy adults by providing a variety of services that are culturally competent, developmentally appropriate and accessible in a variety of settings.
The Importance of Early Treatment
Life brings with it a variety of stresses and challenges. Many children, youth and young adults struggle with serious mental disorders that negatively impact them at school and at home. Many have relationship difficulties with their friends and teachers and they often feel isolated and alone.
The sooner children and youth with mental health problems are identified, evaluated and are able to receive treatment services, the sooner recovery can begin so that they can become successful in school and at home. Children, youth and young adults who are able to get the services they need and develop the skills to handle life’s difficulties are less likely to drop out of school or become involved in alcohol and drugs.
Find Local Resources
Stark County Child Protective Services » serves children suspected of abuse and neglect. Dial 330-455-KIDS (5437).
Early Childhood Mental Health Services – Early identification and evaluation of mental health concerns leads to a greater chance for more positive life experiences, better peer and family relationships and more success in school. Early childhood mental health services are provided in the home, in the community or in the school setting. Services are most effective when they are delivered where children spend the majority of their time. For more information about early childhood mental health services, contact Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, CommQuest, or Pathway Caring for Children.
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Services – StarkMHAR is committed to ensuring that youth who are struggling with a substance use disorder are able to access the services they need. Youth treatment services are for people under age 18 who are experiencing problems at home, at school or in the community as a result of their alcohol or drug use. If you, or your family member need alcohol or drug services contact CommQuest at 330-455-0374 or Stark County TASC (DYS youth) at 330-479-1912 for more information and assistance.
Drug Free Stark County – StarkMHAR is the recipient of a federal SAMHSA Drug Free Communities five-year grant to reduce the use of substances in Stark County. Projects of the grant include Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders committee and the Red Ribbon Committee. Find out more about Drug Free Stark County »
System-wide Partnerships – StarkMHAR is committed to working in collaboration with other child and youth-serving organizations and has formed partnerships with the following organizations to provide mental health and alcohol/drug prevention, intervention and treatment services:
CARE Teams
Many of the school districts in Stark County have CARE Teams available to assist your child with school success by “wrapping” services around your child. StarkMHAR helps to provide funding for the services such as alcohol/drug prevention, screenings and mental health consultation services. Ask your child’s school counselor for more information about CARE Teams.
FIRST Stark County
An innovative research and treatment program for individuals who have had a first episode of a psychotic illness. FIRST Stark County is a specialized treatment program that helps people who are between the ages of 15-40 years and have had psychotic symptoms for no more than 18 months.
Multi-systemic Therapy (MST)
Multi-systemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence-based practice for multi-system youth who are at risk of being removed from their homes and placed in the custody of the Ohio Department of Youth Services. Services are short-term, intensive and delivered in the home. For information on these services locally, contact Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health.
Stark County Family Council
Family Council promotes a connected system of care to protect and enhance the well-being of children and families by building capacity, coordinating systems and services and engaging and empowering families. With the help of Family Council, families engulfed in complex needs who have children from birth to age 21, will overcome cross-system obstacles to obtain effective care and support. Click for more on Family Council.
Services for Transitional Age Youth and Young Adults
The time between adolescence and adulthood is a critical time in life. It is a time of inspiration and hope as young people grow into adults and they pursue their dreams. Yet, helping young people overcome challenges and learn the necessary skills for adulthood can be made even more difficult with a mental illness. Oftentimes, this is a time when symptoms first emerge, and difficulties are first identified.
StarkMHAR is committed to promoting the best service available for transitional age youth and young adults, services that are youth oriented and developmentally appropriate. StarkMHAR utilizes the Transition to Independence Process (TIP) System evidence-based practices and helps to guide, inform and ensure that the services for youth and young adults follow the TIP model.