First Episode Psychosis: Occupational Therapy in Behavioral Health Services

Occupational Therapy in Behavioral Health Services with an Emphasis on Coordinated Specialty Care Programming

Session participants will be able to define the role of occupational therapy with individuals experiencing first episode psychosis; understand how occupational therapy practitioners can contribute to an individual’s successful occupational performance; and demonstrate the ability to screen and refer individuals for occupational therapy services.

This is the fifth session in a statewide learning series designed to increase workforce capacity to address Early Serious Mental Illness (ESMI) and First Episode Psychosis (FEP). This virtual series is made possible by BSCA funds through Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. Attendance is free.

This session will be led by Dr. Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Dr. Josh Skuller & Tania Kneuer. Dr. Skubik-Peplaski currently serves as Professor & Capstone Director for the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Skuller currently servews as Associate Professor for Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy and Program Director of Enabling Technologies (enTech) at Spalding University. Tania Kneuer currently serves as a Senior Research Assistant for OHSU-PSU School of Public Health in Bend, OR.

This live training is eligible for Kentucky social work CEUs and may be eligible for additional CEUs.

Kentucky currently has eight FEP teams across the state. The focus of this learning series will be to enhance the services these FEP teams provide, as well as to build awareness and education in areas of the state without current FEP teams. Early identification, through awareness and effective screening, with subsequent early and effective service delivery, can dramatically affect negative trajectories traditionally associated with early psychosis and serious mental illness. For that to happen, clinical providers and youth-serving agencies must be trained to recognize early issues related to mental health and to provide developmentally appropriate clinical care. The learning series will focus on supporting them to do just that.

For questions, please email mhaky@mhaky.org.