Description:
The onset of psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia-spectrum symptoms) typically occurs during adolescence and young adulthood. Before developing a psychotic disorder, a number of youth present with psychotic-like experiences that cause distress or impact functioning but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for a full psychotic episode. These youth may fall under an umbrella of "psychosis-risk" (also known as "clinical high risk for psychosis") and be at a heightened risk of developing a psychotic disorder or other mental health conditions. Worldwide efforts are underway to identify youth at psychosis-risk and there is evidence that early intervention can improve mental health and functional outcomes for this group. This webinar will provide an introduction to the psychosis-risk period and broader psychosis spectrum, including discussion on the diversity of clinical presentations, screening/assessment tools and cultural considerations, evidence-based treatments, and specialized programs you can consult with and refer to.
Presenter:
Joseph DeLuca, Ph.D., is an NIMH-T32 Postdoctoral Fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, specializing in psychosis-risk and the early stages of psychosis. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the City University of New York Graduate Center and completed his predoctoral internship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. DeLuca’s research and clinical interests include screening and treatment for psychosis-spectrum symptoms, particularly with youth and families, as well as stigma, the role of culture and context in psychosis, and the intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system.
Learning Objectives:
Who Should Attend?
Mental health professionals, school teachers/staff, mental health advocates, mental health graduate students, and others who work with/on behalf of youth diagnosed with mental illness.
Certificates of attendance will be available to viewers of 50% (45 minutes) or more of the live webinar (via email within 30 business days post-event). CEUs are not offered for this session. The webinar slide presentation and recording will be posted to the website.
