A community open house at the new School-Linked Trauma-Informed Program (STAR Program) in Riverside celebrated the grand opening of a new community hub for child and adolescent behavioral health sciences.

The STAR Program will provide trauma-informed, school-linked therapy for children, youth, and families, while also housing a program that is part of a statewide initiative to increase access to trauma-informed care. 

This initiative is led by Kimberley Lakes, PhD, and the UCR School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. It is funded by California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). In addition, the program will serve as a training site for UCR medical students, psychiatry residents, and fellows.

“I am excited about how the program will continue to advance our services, research, and community partnerships for promoting child, adolescent, and community mental health,” said Lisa Fortuna, MD, MPH, the chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience.

The open house introduced the team, showcased the space, and highlighted the partnerships and grant funding that brought the program to life. Collaborators include schools and other community and county organizations working to strengthen behavioral health access across the region.

The launch of STAR marks the beginning of a long-term effort to address behavioral health needs in the Inland Empire. Organizers expressed gratitude to community partners, funders, and supporters who contributed to the program’s development, from grant administration and staffing to supplies and space preparation.