Costar Residential System

COSTAR serves adults living with severe mental health challenges that significantly impair their daily functioning in the community. Participants typically have extensive histories of acute psychiatric services and require a structured residential setting with 24-hour staffing support. While many individuals aspire to transition to less restrictive environments, medical conditions, aging-related needs, and care dependencies often present barriers to such moves.

Program Goals

The primary goal of COSTAR is to support individuals in strengthening their coping mechanisms to manage stress and behavioral challenges while building independent living skills. This progress enables a reduction in required staffing levels and facilitates transitions to less structured settings.

Approach and Services

Program Managers and staff employ a person-centered approach that leverages individual strengths to support positive behavioral change. Services include:

• Modeling and coaching of adaptive behaviors paired with behavioral reinforcement
• Direct instruction in behavioral skills and coping strategies
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to enhance motivation and skill application
• Structured recovery goal planning developed collaboratively with participants
• Coordination of formal and natural support systems to increase self-efficacy, community integration, and independence

Through these comprehensive interventions, COSTAR helps participants work toward meaningful recovery goals while building the skills necessary for greater autonomy.