Please join us for this SAMHSA sponsored webinar developed under contract and presented by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD).

In this webinar we will continue our exploration of important issues related to successful transition from first episode programming.  In Part 1 of this series we identified concerns with the long term maintenance of the improved outcomes that are routinely found for clients served in FEP programs.  The longer term follow-up literature suggests that many of these gains may be lost over time.  We featured research that demonstrated the benefits of extending a program to 5 years and some step down or extension strategies that are being explored by two US FEP programs.  In Part 2 we’ll take another look at the follow-up literature, present some results from national evaluation of FEP programs regarding transition practices and consumer’s thoughts about leaving FEP programs. We will then lead a discussion of the many clinical, financing, research and policy issues that should be addressed in developing strategies to help assure long term benefits of FEP programming.

Presenters:

• David Shern, Ph.D. Senior Public Health Advisor, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
• Lisa Dixon, M.D. Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute
• Steven Dettwyler, Ph.D. Public Health Analyst, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration