About Us

Because addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders often require both medical and psychological treatment, our research staff includes a diverse range of healthcare professionals: addiction psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychotherapists, research assistants, and more.


Established in 1996 as a collaboration between the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Medical Center, STARS is one of the best known addiction treatment research clinics in the world. The researchers at STARS have completed many large research studies and have published hundreds of papers describing new and effective treatments for addiction to various substances, including cocaine, marijuana, opioids and alcohol. In the process, we have helped thousands of patients overcome their addictions with free and confidential treatment in a safe, comfortable, convenient and confidential setting.


Our Team

Christina Brezing, MD
Daniel Brooks, LMSW
Derek Blevins, MD
Frances R. Levin, MD
Sean X. Lou, M.D., Ph.D.
John J. Mariani, MD
Nasir H. Naqvi, MD, PhD
Amy Mahony, LMHC


stars.info@nyspi.columbia.edu

(212) 923-3031