SAMHSA–Sponsored Webinar: The Growing Momentum in Early and First Episode Psychosis Programs

Jun 2, 2015

Progress continues in bringing a coordinated array of effective services and supports to communities for youth and young adults experiencing early and first episode psychosis. Research advances continue to show real promise in lessening the long-term severity of psychosis and in preventing it. The coordinated array of services are recovery focused and include partnering with youth, young adults and families as part of the care team.

This work takes into account those aspects of life that matter most to young adults including:

• Education
• Employment
• Relationships
• Living a full life

States are now required to dedicate 5% of the Mental Health Block Grant to early and first episode psychosis programs. Watch this webinar to hear from leaders in the field about expanding early psychosis and first episode psychosis programs statewide, how NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates can become more involved in expanding these programs and how to stay connected with this important work.

This webinar took place June 9. Watch the webinar or download the slides.

Speakers

Tamara Sale, MA.Tamara is the Director of the EASA Center for Excellence at Portland State University in Oregon. She has been responsible for development and implementation of Oregon's early psychosis effort since it began as a regional program in 2001. Tamara has decades of experience as a mental health systems planner and as a family advocate.

Sue Abderholden, MPH. Sue has worked on public policy issues for people with disabilities for over 30 years, the last 13 as the executive director at NAMI Minnesota. NAMI Minnesota has been a leader in Minnesota to advance early intervention and first episode psychosis programs partnering with the University of Minnesota and Blue Cross/Blue Shield to get services and supports expanded. 

Darcy Gruttadaro, J.D. Darcy is the director of the NAMI Child and Adolescent Action Center which focuses on building effective partnerships, addressing the needs of families and caregivers, and driving the debate in reforming the mental health system. Darcy serves on many national task forces, coalitions and has been an advisor on multiple National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) research grant projects.