Search

Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is a reliable predictor of longitudinal psychosis trajectory. The limited availability of specialized assessment needed for early identification contributes to a lengthy average DUP in the United States. This column outlines the development of the Central Assessment of Psychosis Service (CAPS), a novel tele-evaluation service that extends specialized expertise in screening and assessment of psychosis and psychosis risk to publicly funded early psychosis clinics. Preliminary implementation outcomes among the first five CAPS sites suggest that CAPS is acceptable, appropriate, and feasible to implement. Programmatic data collection is underway and will be reported at a future date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To expand access to mental health treatment in an underserved area, the University of Washington (UW) and Dayton General Hospital (DGH) entered into a partnership to provide comprehensive telepsychiatry services to individuals living in rural Columbia County. Outpatient care is provided by behavioral health consultants at two DGH-affiliated primary care clinics in consultation with a UW-based psychiatrist with expertise in addictions. Inpatient care is supported by regular consultation with UW psychiatrists as well as unscheduled "curbside" consults with attending UW psychiatrists. Patients with complex treatment options can participate in direct videoconferencing sessions with a UW psychiatrist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]