Available for the 25-26 training year
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Aftercare Program is a specialty clinic for treatment and research with patients who have recently had a first episode of schizophrenia. Trainees can serve as co-therapists in five different types of groups, a psychoeducational group for new patients, cognitive remediation via computerized training, a Bridging Group that facilitates generalization of cognitive gains to everyday functioning, an aerobic exercise group, and a healthy living skills group. Individual therapy opportunities are also readily available. Supervision for psychology interns is provided by Drs. Nuechterlein, Subotnik, Turner, and Ventura. Clinical supervision is combined with information on the diagnosis, phenomenology, and treatment of schizophrenia.
The time commitment is 2 to 8 hours per week, depending on what combination of group therapy and individual therapy experience is desired. The time should be committed for at least 6 months and preferably for 12 months. To allow adequate continuity care for patients with a first episode of psychosis, a 12-month commitment is needed for individual therapy experiences.
DAY, TIME, AND LOCATION: Training opportunities are available Mondays 11-4, Tuesdays, 9-5, and Thursdays, 11-5
300 Medical Plaza, 2nd Fl., Room 2240 is the reception office
Contact Keith Nuechterlein, Ph.D., keithn@ucla.edu, for the group intervention schedule
HOURS PER WEEK: 2-6
DURATION OF ELECTIVE: 6 months for group co-therapy; 12 months for individual therapy
FACULTY AND STAFF:
Keith Nuechterlein, Ph.D., Director
Kenneth Subotnik, Ph.D., Associate Director
Laurie Casaus, M.D., Medical Director
Margaret Distler, M.D., Associate Medical Director
Luana Turner, Psy.D. Joseph Ventura, Ph.D.
Yurika Sturdevant, Psy.D. Lissa Portillo, B.A., Patient Coordinator
TRAINING PROVIDED: Trainees can serve as co-therapists in group therapy and as individual therapists with outpatients with a recent first episode of psychosis. Group therapy focuses on improving the cognitive deficits of schizophrenia, prevention of symptom return, and building effective coping skills for work, school, and interpersonal situations.
DIVERSITY TRAINING:
Because the Aftercare Program provides services at no cost as part of clinical research on new interventions, many patients participate from traditionally underserved populations. Our patient population is primarily (70%) racially mixed or non-White. About 20% are African American. Approximately 45% of the patients are Hispanic. This racial and ethnic makeup of our patient participants is reasonably representative of the Greater Los Angeles area (50% racially mixed or non-White, with 47% Hispanic). The services at the Aftercare Program are provided with sensitivity to, and awareness of, racial, ethnic, and cultural considerations.
Supervision provided to psychology interns stresses the importance of addressing these issues in both group and individual therapy. In addition, interns are provided articles or book chapters to read throughout the year on issues of sensitivity to cultural competency and diversity. Diversity and cultural competence are addressed during case conceptualization and throughout the entirety of work with our patients. The onset of schizophrenia is often marked by a disruption of one’s previous life trajectory and a pressing need to cope with the myriad of new and unusual symptoms that can occur with this illness. Thus, our clinical team pays particular attention to the ways that diversity and culture can often take a backseat at the beginning of treatment. We are mindful of how each patient racially, ethnically, and culturally identifies him or herself. One of our psychologists, Dr. Turner, has specialized education and training in this area and provides insights into this topic in group supervision. An example of a currently relevant topic for discussion is the concern that young African American males might feel about potential mistreatment by law enforcement, especially given that law enforcement is often needed to involuntarily hospitalize individuals with schizophrenia. Given that the age of onset typically occurs when an individual is moving toward adulthood and independence, clinical work with family/loved ones is a key component to treatment. Sensitivity is given to how individuals view the meaning of “family.” Staff and trainees are encouraged and challenged to explore their views and biases and understand how these schemas can impact treatment. The Aftercare Program continues to learn and grow in its work on sensitivity to diversity and encourages trainees to do so as well in order to provide the best treatment that emphasizes an understanding of each individual’s core identities and values.
SUPERVISION PROVIDED:
Method of Supervision: Direct Observation, Case Presentation
Format: Individual and Group
Hours Per Week: Typically, 2 hours per week (1 hour of group, 1 hour of individual), more if clinical load indicates
Days and Times: Individual supervision at times to be arranged; group supervision Tues, 9-10 and 10-11
Names of Supervisor(s): Keith Nuechterlein, PhD; Luana Turner, Psy.D; Joseph Ventura, PhD; Kenneth Subotnik, PhD