https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-rss/?orgId=109506&title=News A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Specialized Treatment for Early Psychosis (STEP) Program en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Thu, 14 May 2026 19:08:44 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/step-learning-collaborative-at-this-years-sirs-conference/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/step-learning-collaborative-at-this-years-sirs-conference/ Sumeyra Tayfur attended the Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS) 2026 Annual Congress in Florence, Italy, where she presented two posters: “Discharge from Coordinated Specialty Care: Timing, Reasons, and Predictors in a National Early Psychosis Network” and “Psychiatric Hospitalization Outcomes After Enrollment in Coordinated Specialty Care for First-Episode Psychosis: Findings from the Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) in the United States”. Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/yale-nami-conference-on-neuroscience-mental-health-and-society-scheduled-for-may-9/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/yale-nami-conference-on-neuroscience-mental-health-and-society-scheduled-for-may-9/ The annual Yale-NAMI Conference on Neuroscience, Mental Health and Society, sponsored by the Yale Department of Psychiatry, will be held Saturday, May 9, beginning at 8 am at The Anlyan Center Auditorium, 300 Cedar St., New Haven. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/what-is-delusional-thinking-and-when-does-it-become-concerning/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/what-is-delusional-thinking-and-when-does-it-become-concerning/ Laura Yoviene Sykes, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of the STEP Learning Collaborative, spoke to WTNH-TV about delusional thinking: how to recognize it, and how loved ones can help. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/mathis-appointed-director-of-yale-fellowship-in-public-psychiatry/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/mathis-appointed-director-of-yale-fellowship-in-public-psychiatry/ Walter (Stan) Mathis, MD, associate professor of psychiatry, has been appointed director of the Yale Fellowship in Public Psychiatry effective July 1. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/psychosis-after-cannabis-legalization/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/psychosis-after-cannabis-legalization/ A new study from the STEP Program in Connecticut found that cannabis use became more severe among individuals entering care for first-episode psychosis after legalization, with increases in daily and solitary use. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring, education, and prevention, especially for adolescents and those at risk for psychosis. Sun, 15 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/on-the-other-side-of-the-phone-step/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/on-the-other-side-of-the-phone-step/ From clinicians coordinating care to families searching for answers, this first-person reflection from one of STEP’s Early Detection and Assessment Coordinator offers a rare look at what it means to be the voice on the other side of the phone, and why timely, compassionate access to early psychosis care matters. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/srihari-guest-edits-special-issue-of-schizophrenia-research/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/srihari-guest-edits-special-issue-of-schizophrenia-research/ Vinod Srihari, MD, professor of psychiatry, is guest editor for a special issue of the journal Schizophrenia Research. The issue includes contributions led by Yale affiliates Laura Yoviene Sykes, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry; Walter S. Mathis, MD, associate professor of psychiatry; and Sumeyra Tayfur, PhD, postdoctoral associate. Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/step-learning-collaborative-2025-review/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/step-learning-collaborative-2025-review/ 2025 marked a major year of growth, collaboration, and measurable progress for the STEP Learning Collaborative (STEP LC), Connecticut’s statewide learning health system for early psychosis. As we reflect on the second year of implementation since launching in February 2024, we see both expanding reach and deepening engagement across clinical, educational, community, and systems-level workstreams. In this post, we share key impacts from 2025, alongside broader program activities that shaped the continued development of a coordinated, statewide approach to early psychosis care in Connecticut. Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/communication-strategies-psychosis/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/communication-strategies-psychosis/ Learn practical strategies for families to support young people during a first episode of psychosis. Tips for listening, validating, and communicating safely. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/public-health-forum-early-psychosis-care/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/public-health-forum-early-psychosis-care/ Leaders from across Connecticut gathered at the Legislative Office Building to spotlight the state’s groundbreaking work in expanding care for young people experiencing early psychosis. The forum, convened by Senator Saud Anwar, Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee, focused on the release of the first annual report from the STEP Learning Collaborative Connecticut’s statewide learning health system for recent-onset schizophrenia. Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/department-of-psychiatry-honors-residents-fellows-faculty-staff-at-2025-annual-commencement-ceremonies/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/department-of-psychiatry-honors-residents-fellows-faculty-staff-at-2025-annual-commencement-ceremonies/ The Yale Department of Psychiatry honored 21 residents at the annual Yale Psychiatry Residency Program commencement ceremony June 17 at the New Haven Lawn Club. Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/may-23-is-schizophrenia-awareness-day/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/may-23-is-schizophrenia-awareness-day/ On WTNH's Health headlines, we’re marking schizophrenia Awareness Day by exploring the latest insights into this complex mental health condition. Dr. Vinod Srihari, Yale Medicine psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, joined Good Morning Connecticut at 9 a.m. to discuss. Fri, 23 May 2025 13:30:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/world-schizophrenia-day-understanding-psychosis-and-how-to-help/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/world-schizophrenia-day-understanding-psychosis-and-how-to-help/ May 24th is World Schizophrenia Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about schizophrenia. It encourages people to learn about the signs and symptoms, understand the impact on individuals and their families, and explore how early intervention can lead to better outcomes. Tue, 20 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-to-help-with-a-psychotic-episode https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-to-help-with-a-psychotic-episode A Yale Medicine specialist discusses psychotic episodes and how to help someone who is experiencing one. Tue, 20 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/understanding-social-disconnect-in-psychosis-a-new-fnirs-study-at-yale/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/understanding-social-disconnect-in-psychosis-a-new-fnirs-study-at-yale/ Psychosis often leads to social withdrawal, isolation, and difficulty forming relationships. Understanding the neural mechanisms behind social disconnection can help researchers develop therapies that address not just the symptoms of psychosis, but also the profound social challenges that come with it. This research marks a significant step toward more empathetic, neuroscience-informed care for individuals living with psychosis. Mon, 19 May 2025 11:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/supporting-youth-with-psychosis-partnering-with-first-responders-for-better-outcomes/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/supporting-youth-with-psychosis-partnering-with-first-responders-for-better-outcomes/ Through growing partnerships with First Responders such as police, mobile crisis teams, 211/988 responders, and jail diversion—the STEP Learning Collaborative remains committed to building a comprehensive support network for young individuals experiencing psychosis. These efforts aim to foster early intervention, compassionate response, and better recovery outcomes. Fri, 09 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/effective-intervention-for-mental-health-crisis-in-the-community/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/effective-intervention-for-mental-health-crisis-in-the-community/ Understanding how to identify a mental health crisis and intervene effectively is crucial for community safety and well-being, including for individuals experiencing psychosis. This article provides essential information on responding to mental health crises with compassion and efficiency. Fri, 09 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/srihari-honored-with-sirs-2025-outstanding-clinical-and-community-research-award/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/srihari-honored-with-sirs-2025-outstanding-clinical-and-community-research-award/ Vinod H. Srihari, MD, professor of psychiatry, has been awarded the 2025 Outstanding Clinical and Community Research Award by the Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS). Wed, 19 Mar 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/srihari-named-recipient-of-apas-gralnick-award-for-research-in-schizophrenia/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/srihari-named-recipient-of-apas-gralnick-award-for-research-in-schizophrenia/ Vinod H. Srihari, MD, professor of psychiatry, has been selected to receive the 2025 Gralnick Award for Research in Schizophrenia by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and APA Foundation. Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/the-relationship-between-insight-and-suicide-risk-in-early-psychosis-key-findings-from-our-latest-study/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/the-relationship-between-insight-and-suicide-risk-in-early-psychosis-key-findings-from-our-latest-study/ Our latest research explores the intricate relationships between clinical awareness (commonly referred to as “insight”), depression, and suicidality. Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/understanding-depression-and-suicide-in-early-psychosis-what-you-need-to-know/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/understanding-depression-and-suicide-in-early-psychosis-what-you-need-to-know/ Experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP) an be overwhelming and frightening. However, what many don’t realize is that depression often accompanies early psychosis. In fact, individuals with FEP frequently grapple with deep sadness, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts. Therefore, depression in FEP isn’t just a secondary issue—it’s a serious and life-threatening concern that demands immediate attention. Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-psychosis-a-guide-for-parents-and-caregivers/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-psychosis-a-guide-for-parents-and-caregivers/ Caring for a loved one with psychosis brings emotional, social, and financial challenges but can also be profoundly meaningful. Family caregivers play a key role in supporting recovery while often facing significant stress and uncertainty. This guide provides practical advice to help caregivers manage their responsibilities and protect their own well-being. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/video/mindmap-helping-teensyoung-adults-to-access-early-treatment-for-psychosis/10108667/ https://www.wtnh.com/video/mindmap-helping-teensyoung-adults-to-access-early-treatment-for-psychosis/10108667/ STEP Learning Collaborative Josina James and Dr. Nicholas Pinkerton from Southern Connecticut State University are interviewed for Mental Illness Awareness Week. This segment brings awareness to the Mindmap campaign and highlights the importance of University partnerships in getting young individuals experiencing psychosis into care as soon as possible. Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/supporting-young-people-with-psychosis-in-school-how-to-help-them-succeed/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/supporting-young-people-with-psychosis-in-school-how-to-help-them-succeed/ For many young people in late adolescence and early adulthood, school is a top priority. Whether it’s finishing high school, learning a trade, or pursuing a college degree, education often takes center stage. But for students dealing with psychosis, navigating school can become a real challenge. Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:00:00 Z https://audio.transistor.fm/m/shows/30159/4b968c30e5b4bde642f6996de41a532b.mp3 https://audio.transistor.fm/m/shows/30159/4b968c30e5b4bde642f6996de41a532b.mp3 United Services of Connecticut, who is part of the STEP Learning Collaborative, join us on WILI 1400am 95.3 FM radio. United Services President & CEO Diane Manning & Director of Development Emily Morrison along with Dr. Vinod Srihari to talk about the STEP Learning Collaborative and Mindmap campaign. Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/cahill-selected-to-be-director-of-yale-psychiatry-residency-program/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/cahill-selected-to-be-director-of-yale-psychiatry-residency-program/ John Cahill, MD, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry, has been selected to be director of the Yale Psychiatry Residency Program. Tue, 13 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/behind-the-smoke-unmasking-the-link-between-cannabis-and-schizophrenia/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/behind-the-smoke-unmasking-the-link-between-cannabis-and-schizophrenia/ The link between cannabis and its effects on mental health, particularly schizophrenia, continues to spark debate. While many tout marijuana’s calming effects, particularly in online forums, mental health experts caution against its use—especially among young people. Research increasingly reveals a concerning relationship between cannabis use and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/james-named-director-of-social-work-for-step-learning-collaborative/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/james-named-director-of-social-work-for-step-learning-collaborative/ Josina James, LCSW, clinical social worker at the Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP) Clinic located at the Connecticut Mental Health Center, has been appointed director of social work for the STEP Learning Collaborative. Wed, 03 Jul 2024 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/mindmap-promotes-early-detection-of-psychosis-across-connecticut-and-beyond/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/mindmap-promotes-early-detection-of-psychosis-across-connecticut-and-beyond/ As May is Mental Health Month, Mindmap actively joined others to spread mental health awareness, specifically focusing on the early detection of psychosis. Since psychosis is treatable, the earlier people receive help, the better the outcomes. Therefore, recovery from psychosis becomes the expectation rather than the exception for those who receive treatment. Wed, 05 Jun 2024 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/understanding-symptoms-of-psychosis-and-who-is-at-risk/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/understanding-symptoms-of-psychosis-and-who-is-at-risk/ The dramatic portrayal of psychosis in movies and popular media often sensationalizes and misrepresents the condition. In reality, psychosis encompasses a spectrum of experiences that extend beyond the extremes of violence or unpredictability. Mindmap shares factual information in order to dispel myths and make psychosis safer and more comfortable to talk about. Wed, 03 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/ctmorningbuzz/the-step-learning-collaboratives-mindmap-public-awareness-campaign-promoting-the-early-treatment-of-psychosis-in-teens-young-adults/ https://www.wtnh.com/ctmorningbuzz/the-step-learning-collaboratives-mindmap-public-awareness-campaign-promoting-the-early-treatment-of-psychosis-in-teens-young-adults/ Connecticut’s Morning Buzz Host Natasha Lubczenko was joined in the studio by Dr. Laura Yoviene Sykes, PhD and Dr. Vinod Srihari, MD, from the Yale School of Medicine’s STEP Program to discuss the Mindmap campaign to reduce Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) across Connecticut. Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:00:00 Z https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2024-02-13/program-to-id-and-treat-psychosis-early-begins-big-expansion-in-ct https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2024-02-13/program-to-id-and-treat-psychosis-early-begins-big-expansion-in-ct The STEP Program launches Mindmap 2.0 to bring early detection of psychosis to a statewide network of clinics that have formed a learning collaborative with STEP to improve access and care quality for individuals with recent onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Sujata Srinivasan interviews Dr. Vinod Srihari, Professor and Director of the STEP Program. Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:31:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/mindmap-launches-statewide-referral-line-to-support-early-detection-of-first-episode-psychosis/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/mindmap-launches-statewide-referral-line-to-support-early-detection-of-first-episode-psychosis/ Mindmap, the highly visible public education campaign that achieved successful early detection of first-episode psychosis in the greater New Haven area, will now scale across Connecticut. Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/riley-appointed-medical-director-of-step-clinic/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/riley-appointed-medical-director-of-step-clinic/ Sarah Riley, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry, has been named medical director of the Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP) Clinic at the Connecticut Mental Health Center. Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/step-learning-collaborative-trains-first-cohort-of-healthcare-leaders/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/step-learning-collaborative-trains-first-cohort-of-healthcare-leaders/ The STEP Learning Collaborative has trained its first cohort of 25 healthcare leaders and managers as part of its mission to expand access and care to people and families impacted by recent onset psychosis in Connecticut. Tue, 13 Jun 2023 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/step-clinics-research-contributions-recognized-by-nih/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/step-clinics-research-contributions-recognized-by-nih/ Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP), a collaborative program of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services and the Yale Department of Psychiatry, provides comprehensive care to people who are early in the course of psychotic illness to prevent symptoms from becoming disabling. STEP's early research work in coordinated specialty care treatment for early schizophrenia was recently featured by the National Institute of Mental Health on its website. Wed, 04 Jan 2023 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/yale-researchers-to-study-how-music-affects-people-with-psychosis/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/psychiatry/step/news-article/yale-researchers-to-study-how-music-affects-people-with-psychosis/ Philip Corlett, PhD receives an inaugural grant from the "Sound Health Initiative" of the National Institutes of Health. Thu, 17 Oct 2019 04:00:00 Z