Editors' Note: This story ran in our May newsletter, published May 6.

On April 27, our serious mental illness program collaborated with Drs. Nick Breitborde and Heather Wastler of Ohio State University to facilitate the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for People with First-Episode Psychosis workshop.

This full-day workshop provided an overview of cognitive behavioral therapy and how it can be utilized in sessions with the client using the tools and techniques associated with the therapeutic intervention. The 12 participants were from various first-episode psychosis programs throughout the Mid-America region and ranged in positions from supportive employment to psychiatrists.

"The participants were very engaged and were provided with a variety of resources based on the knowledge of the presenters and their first-hand experience," says Marla Smith, a serious mental illness program trainer for the Mid-America MHTTC.

First-episode psychosis programs are designed for people with serious mental illness that are experiencing psychosis for the first time. The programs provide them with an integrative program that can include family support and education, case management, therapy, and coordination with primary care, among other areas.

"First-episode psychosis programs are essential as they can provide an early intervention that, in many cases, assist the client with the resources and supports that they need to create a strong foundation for recovery and a full life," Smith says.