Because schizophrenia spectrum disorders are relatively common, affecting approximately 4% of young people, nearly all mental health care providers will encounter individuals experiencing psychosis or its early warning signs. The sooner individuals are identified and receive care following the first onset of psychosis spectrum symptoms, the better their functional and personal outcomes are likely to be. This webinar provides an introductory overview of early psychosis symptoms across the spectrum from risk symptoms to threshold psychosis disorders. Research-informed and practice-informed strategies for recognizing, assessing and responding to psychosis spectrum symptoms will be presented in the context of social determinants of health that may impact the recognition and referral pathway. Additional considerations and involvement of families, groups, organizations and communities will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the mental health disorders in which a person can experience psychosis spectrum symptoms
2. Recognize and be able to screen for early signs and symptoms of psychosis
3. Consider the impact of substance use and social determinants of health on the identification, referral, and care-seeking behaviors of individuals experiencing early psychosis

Presenter: Monica E. Calkins, PhD

Bio: Monica E. Calkins, PhD, is the HeadsUp Co-Director who oversees outreach, education, training, and Coordinated Specialty Care program evaluation and fidelity. Dr. Calkins grew up in Philadelphia, attending Philadelphia public schools and earning a bachelor's degree from Temple University. She earned a doctorate in Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research from the University of Minnesota and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania before joining its faculty, currently Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry. Dr. Calkins' research and clinical work focuses on early identification and intervention in psychotic disorders, and she has authored