Early Intervention for Psychosis in Young People: A Lived Experience and School Perspective

Presenters: Raquelle Mesholam-Gately, PhD; Kelsey Johnson, MPH; Dan Johnston

Join us for this listening session to gain insight on the early signs and symptoms of psychosis, review the benefits of early intervention, and access tools that help young people connect with care. Specialized early intervention provides the best hope for recovery and growth for teens and young adults who are starting to experience psychosis.

Having lived experience of early intervention as a young adult provides the opportunity to support other people experiencing confusing or unfamiliar phenomena through peer support and advocacy. At this session, we will also show how an individual’s self-determination is sustained during early intervention and how their goals and skills are fostered into the future.

This listening session will be co-facilitated by Courtney Spitzer, Clinical Research Study Coordinator, Harvard University, Department of Psychiatry and Martha Staeheli, PhD, Director of the New England Mental Health Technology Transfer Center's (New England MHTTC) School Mental Health Initiative. Our co-facilitators will ask the presenters questions about compassionate responses to early psychosis in schools before opening the floor for audience questions.