Press Release: For immediate release
Contact Information:
Lea Berhane, Chief Development, Marketing & Technology Officer
(650) 591-9623 x142
lea.berhane@star-vista.org
StarVista’s First Chance Launches Residential Detox Program
San Carlos, CA July 1, 2021 – StarVista, a nonprofit that delivers high impact services through counseling, skill development, and crisis prevention to children, youth, adults, and families to San Mateo County residents, is launching its brand-new program, First Chance Residential Detox.
StarVista’s First Chance program began in the 1990s and is a 24-hour program that serves as an alternative to jail for persons arrested for driving under the influence or public intoxication. Its brand-new program, First Chance Residential Detox, is a residential program designed to temporarily support persons who are detoxing from substances. It will also be the only detox program operating in San Mateo County.
The new Residential Detox program will operate under the direction of Linda Malone, StarVista’s First Chance Sobering Station Program Director, and Dr. Christian O’Neil, StarVista’s Medical Director. Referrals for residential detox services will primarily come from San Mateo County General Hospital, but referrals can also come from other providers and police departments. The goal of the program is to support clients and provide services to support their detox from all substances, have them stabilize and transition into long-term residential care to embrace their recovery.
“StarVista has an exceptional track record of providing much needed services that benefit all of us in San Mateo County,” shares Ed Barberini, Chief of Police, City of San Mateo Police Department & StarVista Board of Director. “These services include programs that provide valuable and sustainable alternatives to incarceration or admittance into a medical facility. StarVista’s new Residential Detox Program is yet another example of its ability to collaborate with partners in the health, law enforcement, and human services fields to enhance the quality of life of even more clients in need. Thank you StarVista for continuing to work toward a better future for us all.”
“StarVista anticipates that clients entering the program will be experiencing a high level of homelessness, serious and severe addiction, and a history of severe trauma and abuse” says StarVista CEO, Sara Larios Mitchell, Ph.D., MACP. In response, they will be using the “Seeking Safety” model of treatment that was developed and researched with client presenting with addiction, mental health issues and severe trauma.