The 2022 South Southwest MHTTC First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Conference took place from June 1-3, 2022 both virtually and in-person in Austin, TX. Those committed to transforming FEP care, including individuals with lived experience, family members, providers, and researchers, joined us to celebrate successes and imagine a future of continued growth and accountability in the realm of FEP care. This year's theme of innovation and sustainability highlighted not only the radical advancement within early psychosis programs over the past decade but also the continued transformation of mental health structures and research serving youth and young adults living with psychosis. Throughout the conference, we emphasized developments related to diversity of perspective, including incorporating lived experiences, marginalized or minoritized groups, and other positionalities (culture, class, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, childhood lived experiences, contexts, worldview, perspectives, etc.). The conference was an overwhelming success that brought people together from all across the south southwest region.
This conference was coordinated and hosted by the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) in Region 6, an initiative funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to provide free training and ongoing consultation to all professionals that serve individuals with mental health needs. Region 6 includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and our tribal communities. The South Southwest MHTTC is a project of the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, which is housed at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.
