Starr Behavioral Health

Meet the Clinician: Sara Gariepy

My name is Sara, I’m an occupational therapist specializing in the treatment of children who have experienced trauma at any stage in development. My focus is addressing regulation through a sensory-based intervention approach.

My goal for the work I do with each family is to assist the child and their caregivers in improving their ability to identify the signs the body gives to indicate a need, as well as to implement activities, routines, and external supports to allow for the child’s improved successful participation in all aspects of life.

The best part about the work I do with kids is that it looks like a jungle gym of fun all while helping that child foster resilience and independence. My passion for my work is fueled through exploring and experiencing joy with the children and educating caregivers so they have the tools to be their little one’s secure and supportive base throughout the years ahead! The skills I address are foundations for learning and development, so my goal client population is between 3 and 8 years old, but these are lifelong skills that are never too late foster.

Meet the Clinician: Becca Gerlach, LMSW CAAC

Welcome to Starr Behavioral Health!  My name is Becca Gerlach, and I am the Director of Behavioral Health here at Starr. My specialty areas are LGBTQIA+ adolescents and adults, adult survivors of childhood trauma, and addictions.  I also offer clinical consultation and supervision for professionals to help you become a trauma informed clinician or clinic.

We are so excited to serve you and your family.  Our goal is to provide the highest quality care in the most accessible way so that you or your child can feel better and achieve any goal they have set for themselves.

Our state of the art facility is located in Harper Woods where we provide in person mental health and sensory occupational therapy services.  Our center is designed with kids in mind-we have the games, toys and tools to make therapy a safe, fun, sensory engaging experience to heal past trauma, or practice coping strategies to better navigate life’s everyday worries and struggles.

We also provide therapy online using HIPAA compliant Zoom so that anyone in Michigan can access high quality mental health services.  We provide virtual therapy to children as young as 3, and all ages beyond. Virtual therapy takes away the headaches of scheduling, issues with transportation and can go where you go.

It is a brave decision to seek help—I’m so glad you reached out and are looking to learn more about what we can offer you or your child.  We provide services to all members of the family if needed, so you don’t have to go to multiple locations.  We make scheduling work with your life so that you or your child can begin the healing journey.

For more information or to schedule your appointment today contact us at 248-308-4591, or email me at gerlachr@starr.org.  I look forward to hearing from you!