ASPIRE Clinic

Psychosis occurs when one experiences an altered version of reality, such as seeing, hearing, tasting, or feeling things that others can’t. These sensations can be extremely distressing as they make it difficult to decipher what is and is not real. Psychotic symptoms can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness, but it is important to remember that psychosis is treatable, and recovery is possible. Psychotic experiences are part of the human experience.

ASPIRE is a first-episode psychosis clinic that focuses on early intervention, as well as decreasing stigma and societal misconceptions about individuals who experience psychotic symptoms. We emphasize hope, community integration, and sustainable recovery.

• Medication treatment (including long-acting injectables)
• Individual and/or Group Therapy
• Multifamily Group Therapy
• Cognitive Enhancement Therapy
• School and/or Work Coaching
• Neuropsychological Testing and Feedback
• Social and Peer Support

Disruptions caused by psychotic symptoms can lead to unwanted repercussions in social, work, school life, and relationships. ASPIRE aims to minimize the magnitude of these disruptions and get individuals back to their healthiest, happiest selves. Our clinicians take time to get to know each patient and understand their experiences with psychosis before ASPIRE, as well as how it has evolved (and hopefully improved) since joining our clinic. We develop treatment plans in alignment with the patient’s personal goals and periodically re-evaluate the efficacy of our treatment approach. ASPIRE offers both in-person and virtual appointments and the duration of treatment is typically two years. ASPIRE differs from a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) as we are not a day program, but rather offer outpatient services and appointments.

Comprehensive Diagnostic and Neuropsychological Assessments

The ASPIRE Clinic provides one of the most comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for patients experiencing early course psychosis, which includes psychological, cognitive, and psychiatric assessments. These assessments are paired with blood testing and brain imaging to rule out other potential causes for the presenting symptom. During the intake session and once every 6 months, each patient is encouraged to complete a neuropsychological assessment that evaluates their current level of social and cognitive functioning. The initial assessment will serve as a basis for comparison throughout the treatment process and provide objective evidence of their progress.

Medication Management

The ASPIRE Clinic provides comprehensive medication counseling and management where patient feedback on their experience with each medication is critical. Each person responds differently to varying medications/doses and we work to find the most effective and personalized regimen. We understand the stress that can be associated with this process and prioritize harm reduction when prescribing antipsychotic medications; we aim to find the medication(s) with the least possible side effects that provide the best results, keeping the patient 100% informed throughout their treatment.

Information Session

The ASPIRE clinic offers a quarterly psychoeducation presentation for new patients and families to learn more about the services offered and to meet the team. This information session is designed to create a safe space where patients and families can ask questions about psychosis and engage with others, including their ASPIRE team.

Individual Therapy

Each patient has the opportunity to meet weekly for 1-hour-long sessions with a social worker/psychologist/psychiatrist. ASPIRE offers a variety of different therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis, supportive therapy, resilience-focused therapy, psychoeducation, and family work. Our clinicians aim to establish trust between themselves and the patient as we recognize the importance of assurance in therapeutic relationships. We hope you leave each session with an elevated level of awareness, empowerment, and motivation to take concrete steps to take toward recovery.

Group Therapies

Multifamily Group (MFG)
Led by 2 licensed clinicians and include virtual meetings bi-weekly for about 1.5 hours. Both patient and family members/social support are encouraged to attend.

In all walks of life, support systems are important. When dealing with psychosis, it can be especially difficult for individuals to articulate their feelings and the same goes for the family member/social support of the patient. The purpose of MFG is to create an integrated, educational, and community-based approach to treatment. Educating family members/social support about the symptoms of psychosis has proven to increase positive treatment outcomes. We provide each person with knowledge about the illness process and a toolkit of resources to decrease stress brought about by psychotic symptoms.

MFGs also aim to decrease feelings of isolation for both the patient and their family members. By hearing others’ experiences, they will be able to see that they, along with their loved ones, are not alone. Despite the isolated, disheartening situations that can be brought about by psychosis, it will become evident that others have undergone similar experiences and recovered.

Having a clinician present at each MFG meeting will help bridge the communication gap between patients, family members, and the care team. With all parties on the same page, it will be easier to define treatment goals and construct a practical, personalized, and attainable plan to get each person back to their baseline.

Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET)
Led by 2 licensed clinicians and includes 1) 90-minute weekly group sessions, 2) 60-minute computerized training with peer and CET coach, and 3) 30–60-minute individual meeting with CET coach weekly.

The purpose of CET is to improve social and community functioning by increasing memory, attention, problem-solving, and social skills. CET is a group-based social curriculum with cognitive training exercises done in pairs. It is supplemented with clinician support and individual therapy. By combining computer-based training and group/individual therapy, we help the patient set and achieve goals in their personal and social life.

As stated earlier, effective communication can become difficult when dealing with psychosis; our evidence-based curriculum helps patients develop skills to improve communication, perspective-taking, and social context appraisal. Our goal remains to get every individual back to their highest level of functioning and ability to thrive in their social, work, school life, and relationships.

Others
We are in the process of designing and implementing new evidence-based group therapies which include CBT for psychosis, wellness groups, motivational interviewing, and milieu activities.