Aaron faced overwhelming anxiety and repeated crises during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. He struggled to leave home and engage in daily activities. With support from the Central Valley Regional Center and the START program, he and his family developed tools to improve daily life.
START stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment. “At START, we don’t just focus on the absence of crisis,” she said. “If we only reduce crisis, a person might simply be ‘okay.’ But everyone deserves more than just being okay. They deserve to feel happy, fulfilled, and to thrive,” said Yenifer Gallegos-Mejia, Program Director of START Central Valley.
Mental health support is vital for everyone, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The START program is one resource that supports individuals with IDD and their families during a crisis.
The START program provides 24/7 crisis response and works to prevent crises before they happen. It assists individuals and families in building stability and connecting with local supports.
“I appreciate that START Central Valley always found ways to support us,” said Aaron’s mom Ana Perez.
START is a nation-wide model and implemented in 35 states. There are currently 16 START teams throughout California.
For more information on the National Center for START Services visit: National Center for START Services
To check whether your regional center has a START team, please visit the START Program webpage.
Additional Mental Health Resources in California
Immediate support lines you can call or text right now:
- Friendship Line https://ocpsc.ca.gov/friendship-line-california/
- CalHOPE Warmline CalHOPE Home
- CA Peer Run Warmline MHASF CA Warm Line
- CalHOPE Redline CalHOPE RedLine | CCUIH
Free mental health support apps:
Resource for youth and parents: