Hello, you are using an old browser that's unsafe and no longer supported. Please consider updating your browser to a newer version, or downloading a modern browser.
Hello, you are using an old browser that's unsafe and no longer supported. Please consider updating your browser to a newer version, or downloading a modern browser.
ALL FEP CENTERS ARE ACCEPTING NEW PARTICIPANTS AS WELL AS CONTINUING TO OFFER SERVICES THAT FOLLOW CDC GUIDELINES FOR COVID-19
STEP is an outpatient clinical program for the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of people who may be experiencing early symptoms and signs of psychotic illness in a recovery-oriented setting. Our goal is to determine how early symptoms may contribute to the onset and course of psychotic disorders so we may then make better treatment decisions.
Read More +
Individuals who come to a primary care setting with symptoms such as disconnected, illogical thoughts, or unusual auditory or visual sensations are among the most difficult to diagnose and treat. Student health services, general doctors’ offices, and other care centers may lack the focus and specialized expertise on early psychosis which are provided by the high quality services available through STEP.
STEP is part of the Comprehensive Recovery Services (CRS) division of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. Rehabilitation and recovery are central to the mission of CRS.
STEP provides evaluation and treatment services for individuals, ages 14 to 40, who are having psychotic symptoms or difficulties separating reality from unreal experiences or false beliefs.
The STEP treatment team offers continued therapy and follow-up care, including state-of-the-art psychotherapeutic and medical treatment, along with regular contact with a psychiatrist.
Read More +
Appropriate treatment may include medications, which are effective in relieving many of the symptoms. These medications may have side effects, so it is very important that the decision to use them is based on an accurate and thorough assessment. Individuals experiencing these difficulties should be thoroughly evaluated by mental health professionals trained in recognizing the early features of psychotic disorders.
STEP uses UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital’s clinical facilities and diagnostic technologies to help understand the origins, development, treatment, and course of psychotic illnesses. In addition to working closely with their treatment teams (psychiatrist and therapist), individuals in the STEP Program have access to several recovery-oriented programs, a clinical pharmacist, and case management services through CRS.
These services may help individuals achieve their learning, working, living, socializing, and health goals. Support and educational meetings are offered for the families of patients.
The STEP coordinator may determine whether people are eligible to participate in research studies that focus on the early course of psychotic disorders. Research studies may include detailed clinical assessments, physical examination, neuropsychological testing, blood studies, and brain imaging.
Read More +
These research assessments may be completed in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Consent for research is obtained separately and is conducted under the rules and regulations of the Human Research Protection Office of the University of Pittsburgh. There is no cost involved for research procedures.
Catherine (Cat) Conroy, M.Ed, Manager of HeadsUp
Neurodevelopment and Psychosis Section, Department of Psychiatry
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
10th floor, Gates Pavilion, HUP
3400 Spruce Street, Rm. 10054, Philadelphia, PA 19104
headsuppaorg@gmail.com
We are available during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) to answer any questions you may have about our organization or to direct you to programs in Pennsylvania that can offer clinical help.
