SSTARbirth is a long-term residential substance use treatment program created specifically for pregnant, postpartum, and parenting women. Located on East Street in Cranston, the program allows mothers to participate in treatment while living with their young children, helping women address addiction without unnecessarily separating them from their families. SSTARbirth opened in 1994 and remains a specialized Rhode Island resource focused on recovery, parenting stability, family reunification, and the health of both mother and child.
Residential Treatment for Women and Children
The program provides up to six months of residential treatment in a structured, supportive setting. SSTARbirth has capacity for a small group of women and their children, allowing treatment to remain personal and closely coordinated. Each resident receives an individualized plan based on her substance use history, pregnancy or postpartum needs, mental health concerns, family circumstances, and goals for long-term recovery.
Residential services may include individual counseling, group therapy, substance use education, relapse-prevention planning, case management, and coordination with healthcare providers. Because many residents are pregnant or caring for young children, treatment also considers prenatal and postpartum health, parenting responsibilities, child development, and the practical demands of maintaining a safe family environment.
Treatment Approach
SSTARbirth approaches addiction as a health condition that affects the entire family. Treatment is designed to help women understand the patterns connected to substance use, recognize triggers, strengthen coping skills, and establish routines that support both recovery and parenting. Counseling may address trauma, grief, relationships, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and other concerns that can influence substance use.
The program’s family-centered structure gives mothers an opportunity to practice recovery skills while continuing to care for their children. Staff members can observe family needs in real time and help residents develop healthier communication, boundaries, daily schedules, and parenting strategies. When appropriate, treatment planning may also include coordination with child welfare agencies, courts, medical professionals, and other organizations involved in family reunification or stabilization.
Health, Parenting, and Recovery Support
Pregnant and postpartum women often need several forms of care at the same time. SSTARbirth can help coordinate prenatal appointments, primary care, behavioral health treatment, medication needs, and services for children. Case management may also address transportation, identification, benefits, housing, education, employment planning, and other issues that can affect a woman’s ability to maintain recovery after leaving residential care.
Discharge planning begins before the residential stay ends. Residents may be connected with outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, recovery meetings, peer support, family services, medical care, and stable housing. The goal is to build a realistic continuing-care plan that protects the progress made during treatment and supports the mother’s ability to care for her family.
Admissions and Payment
Admission depends on clinical eligibility, pregnancy or parenting status, available space, and the level of care needed. Women may need detoxification or medical stabilization before entering the residential program. Prospective residents, family members, and referring professionals should contact SSTARbirth directly to confirm current admission requirements, program availability, accepted payment arrangements, and any documentation needed for placement.
