ABOUT ASTACIO WELLNESS
Care shaped by presence, experience and intention
Astacio Wellness provides culturally responsive therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families.
Under the leadership of Dr. Astacio, care is informed by evidence-based practice and a commitment to cultural humility.
Our therapeutic approach
Internal Family Systems (IFS) serves as the foundation of this work, supporting a compassionate understanding of the mind as made up of different “parts,” each shaped by experience and each carrying intention.
IFS is integrated with systemic, narrative, structural, solution-focused, and trauma-informed approaches, allowing care to be shaped around the unique needs, identities, and contexts of each client.
Who we work with
An inclusive practice serving both clients and practitioner
We support individuals and systems seeking greater awareness, connection, and sustainable change across personal and professional contexts.
-
Individuals seeking deeper self-understanding
-
Couples navigating connection, conflict, or intimacy
-
Families working toward healthier communication
-
LGBTQ+ and multicultural communities
-
Practitioners, teams, and organizations seeking supervision, consultation, or training
Meet
Dr. Starr
Dr. Starlin “Starr” Astacio, PhD, LMFT (he/him), is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in New York and Connecticut, an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow, and a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Psychotherapist.
He leads Astacio Wellness, a thriving private practice offering individual, couples, family, and sex therapy; couples intensives; professional consultation; supervision; workshops; and psychological testing and evaluations.
With over a decade of experience across clinical practice, teaching, supervision, and research, Dr. Astacio brings a deeply relational and culturally grounded approach to therapy. As a bilingual practitioner, he offers services in both English and Spanish, providing a linguistically and culturally attuned space for individuals and families. His work centers on helping individuals, couples, and families understand the patterns shaping their lives and relationships, creating space for clarity, balance, and meaningful change.
Therapy with Dr. Astacio is collaborative and intentional—offering space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with oneself and others in ways that feel steady, authentic, and sustainable.
Meet Dr. Starr
Explore Dr. Astacio's background
Dr. Astacio’s personal and educational journey reflects a deep commitment to growth, service, and lifelong learning. He earned his Associate of Science in Behavioral Science and Human Services from Northwestern Connecticut Community College in 2013, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut in 2016, and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University in 2019. In 2023, he completed his Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy at Antioch University further establishing his work as a scholar-practitioner dedicated to advancing relational and systemic healing. As a therapist, supervisor, educator, and consultant, Dr. Astacio integrates clinical expertise, cultural attunement, and leadership to support healing, professional development, and meaningful change at both individual and systemic levels.
With a deep commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence, Dr. Astacio specializes in working with various populations, including individuals from diverse social classes, ethnic backgrounds, multi-generational families, and immigration statuses. Over the last ten years, he has honed his skills as a bilingual family therapist, most effectively serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ Latinx and Caribbean communities. His clinical experience and research work in this area have positioned him as a leading clinician in providing sensitive and effective therapy to these populations.
In addition to his practice, he serves as faculty at Antioch University New England, where he teaches and supervises master’s-level clinicians in Couple and Family Therapy. He also remains connected to the University of Connecticut, contributing to the Human Development and Family Sciences department.
Dr. Astacio is actively involved in professional training, serving as a program assistant for IFS trainings through the IFS Institute and Central Connecticut State University’s continuing education department. His work extends internationally through collaborations with institutions such as the University of Guelph in Canada and across the Caribbean, where he educates professionals on the intersection of IFS and the sexual identity process.
Dr. Astacio is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Notably, he made significant contributions at Hartford Healthcare, where he spearheaded the development and co-led the DEI council and executive committees for one of Connecticut's prominent hospitals, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He actively engages in community-based activities aimed at assisting underserved populations, underscoring his commitment to social justice and advocacy. His impactful efforts in DEI work were recognized by the AAMFT Research and Education Foundation, which bestowed upon him the prestigious Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in 2021.
As a dedicated researcher and scholar, Dr. Astacio devotes himself to investigating critical areas within the field of MFT. His research primarily centers around the sexual identity process and its intersection with the Latinx LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, he is deeply passionate about the Internal Family Systems (IFS) modality, recognizing its immense value in his clinical work. He continually expands his knowledge and explores the efficacy of IFS in clinical practice and the classroom through ongoing research.
Dr. Astacio believes that the work of healing and self-leadership begins within. He is intentional about caring for his own mental, emotional, and physical well-being, integrating movement, reflection, and daily practices that help him stay grounded, present, and connected to Self. This commitment allows him to show up with clarity, compassion, and authenticity in his professional work. He values balance, meaningful time with loved ones, and staying connected to his roots, making regular visits to spend time with family in the Caribbean.
A LEGACY OF SHARED CLINICAL CARE
Cultivating the future of our practice
Astacio Wellness is a growing collective dedicated to relational healing, clinical excellence, and systemic change. Led by Dr. Astacio, our team integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) with trauma-informed and culturally attuned care. From clinical support to operational stability, we work collaboratively to provide a steady, inclusive space for balance, and meaningful growth.
Brittany McAllister
CLINICAL INTERN
Brittany (she/her) is a dedicated student therapist and MAMFT candidate at National University, specializing in systemic sex therapy.
Practicing through a trauma-informed and intersectional lens, Brittany is committed to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all sexual orientations, genders, and identities. Whether navigating relationship challenges, exploring identity, or transitioning through difficult life stages, she maintains a non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to reach their personal goals.
Brittany is currently accepting new clients under the clinical supervision of Dr. Astacio.
John Thach
PRACTICE MANAGER
John Thach (he/him) is a data-driven operations professional who believes that behind every efficient system is a commitment to the people it serves. Specializing in systems optimization and organizational efficiency, he builds the clear processes and infrastructure that allow our practice to grow sustainably without losing its human touch.
With a natural ability to connect with teams, John focuses on cultivating collaborative, high-performing environments where clinicians and clients alike feel supported. His work ensures that the operational side of Astacio Wellness remains seamless and grounded, providing the stability and focus needed to foster professional excellence and meaningful relational work.
