Schizophrenia Treatment Services: Specialty Services Available through the Consultation Service for Families

1. Diagnostic evaluation using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV (J. Seltzer, Ph.D.). In this evaluation, a comprehensive and detailed conversation is completed with a professional specially trained in diagnostic procedures for patients with psychosis. This evaluation reviews the symptoms the individual has experienced in the past and the current problems. On the basis of the information obtained, a diagnosis can be determined. (This evaluation may take up to 2 hours.)
2. Symptom ratings using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (J. Seltzer, Ph.D.). In this evaluation, an interview is conducted by a professional trained in a specific technique designed to measure the severity of current symptoms. Repeating this evaluation may be useful in determining if treatments have been effective.  (This interview may last 1 hour).
3. Psychopharmacology Consultation (J. Goethe, M.D./Charles Caley, PharmD.). In this evaluation the patient meets with staff to review medication treatments. This meeting is used to provide recommendations and treatment options concerning medications. Laboratory tests may be recommended.  (This meeting usually lasts 1 hour).
4. Functional Skills Assessment  In this evaluation, the patient meets with an occupational therapist. The patient will be asked to complete a number of routine daily chores. Their ability to work and provide self-care at home is evaluated.  The patient’s social skills, leisure skills, home safety, personal hygiene and other adaptive functioning skills may also be assessed. (This evaluation usually lasts 1-3 hours).
5. Neuropsychological Consultation (J. Seltzer, Ph.D.). In this evaluation, the patient meets with a psychologist and completes a number of tests to measure his/her ability to concentrate, remember things, and use his/her intellectual abilities. The results of this assessment contribute to recommendations that fit the patient’s intellectual strengths and weaknesses. (This testing may take from 1-4 hours).
6. Psychosexual Evaluation (L. Lothstein, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.). In this evaluation, the individual meets with a professional to determine if the patients’ psychosis is interfering with the ability to relate to others and to himself/herself.  (This discussion usually lasts 2 hours).
7. Family Interaction Consultation (W. Thime, Ph.D./A. Guerra, APRN/L. Haber, Ph.D.). In this evaluation, the patient and the family meet with a professional to determine ways to reduce stress and conflict in the family, as well as to explore  how the family can best provide support to the individual struggling with psychosis.  (This meeting usually lasts 2 hours and separate meetings may be scheduled for different family members as needed).
8. Neuropsychiatric Consultation (TBA). Sometimes, psychotic symptoms are caused by medical conditions that are not psychiatric problems. For example, people with seizures or hyperthyroid conditions may experience psychiatric symptoms. This evaluation is used to determine if other nonpsychiatric medical conditions may be present.  Laboratory tests may be recommended.  (This consultation may last 2 hours).
9. Substance Abuse Assessment (A. Guerra, APRN). This evaluation is conducted by a professional with specific training in helping people who have psychoses and also use alcohol and/or abuse drugs. Urine samples may be gathered to determine the extent of current use.  (This evaluation may last 1-2 hours).
10. Compliance/Willingness to Participate in Treatment Consultation (L. Haber, PH.D./J. Seltzer, PH.D.). Often individuals with psychosis are not willing to participate in treatment and do not take the medications prescribed. In this evaluation, a discussion is completed with a professional trained in helping patients and their families understand the benefits and risks of treatment. The evaluation is used to help us make recommendations that the patient and their family will find useful, when they are reluctant to participate in treatment.  (This meeting may last 2 hours).
11. Educational Consultation (Grace S. Webb School staff). Adolescents and young adults may need an evaluation of their ability to achieve a high school diploma, G.E.D., college degree, or specialized training in order to prepare them for the transition to adulthood. Educational assessments may be administered. After a review of all educational, clinical and vocational assessments, as well as the student’s current status and motivation, recommendations are made for future educational programming.  (This meeting may last 2 hours).
12. Vocational Evaluation (Sherry Marconi, MS, CRC, LPC). An individual may benefit from an assessment of vocational interest, aptitude, and performance in order to gain vocational direction and get or maintain employment. A variety of vocational assessments may be completed, including a review of the individual's employment history and interest and aptitude testing. Following this, a vocational counselor may suggest training/education; volunteer experiences; and/or job search strategies.  (This evaluation may last 1-2 hours).

In all of the evaluations described above, the IOL staff member listed may want to review records from previous treatments or assessments and speak directly with family members and/or other professionals working with the patient.

Revised: 3/25/04

Top