Description:

The onset of early psychosis (e.g., experiencing subthreshold or full symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, disorganization, etc.) generally occurs between the ages of 15-25, making adolescence and young adulthood critical periods for intervention. The duration of untreated psychosis lasts from 1-2 years on average, further highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention. There is emerging evidence that with early identification and treatment, we can change the trajectory of psychosis and optimize the likelihood of recovery. This webinar will cover information on specific early warning signs and symptoms of psychosis-risk and psychosis, how to provide evidence-based early psychosis assessment and treatment/referral, and current target populations and special considerations in early psychosis work. Practical tools and resources related to assessment and treatment will be provided.

Presenter:

Joseph DeLuca, M.A., is a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology (’20, City University of New York Graduate Center) and current Psychology Intern in his last year of training (University of Maryland School of Medicine) specializing in early psychosis. Mr. DeLuca earned his BA and MA degrees in Forensic Psychology, and has served as an adjunct lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice teaching psychology courses. He has specialized in serious mental illness clinical work and research for the past seven years, and has particular interests in stigma, adolescence, families, the role of culture and context in psychosis, and the intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the spectrum of psychosis and differentiate psychosis-risk and first-episode psychosis.
• Review the evidence supporting early psychosis care and the national and state implementation efforts.
• Describe the components of evidence-based early psychosis assessment and treatment.
• Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and awareness of target issues/special populations.

Who Should Attend?

Clinicians and practitioners working in mental health services, specifically those serving youth and young adults, including but not limited to: community mental health settings; private practice settings; inpatient and intensive day treatment settings; school and university settings; juvenile detention and adult correctional settings.

Certificates of attendance will be available to viewers of 50% (30 minutes) or more of the live webinar (via email within 30 business days post-event). CEUs are not offered for this session. Webinar slide presentations and recordings will be posted on the website.