Schizophrenia usually develops in adolescence or early adulthood (most commonly between ages 15-30). It tends to cause significant functional difficulties in life without treatment. In addition to pharmacological treatments, there are several psychosocial treatments available for persons diagnosed with Schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
I have extensive experience working with people diagnosed with schizophrenia or related disorders. My first job in the mental health field was at the age of 21 working with persons diagnosed with severe persistent mental illness at community treatment center. I continued to pursue my passion working and helping persons diagnosed with schizophrenia through my graduate studies, completing a specialty postdoctoral fellowship at San Diego VA/UCSD in psychotic disorders. I am formally trained in most of the available evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBT-p), Social Skills Training (SST) for schizophrenia, and Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST) for schizophrenia.
Depending on your situation, you might be concerned that you or a loved one is struggling with schizophrenia and in this case, we would begin with a thorough diagnostic assessment for the presence of a psychotic disorder. I will work with you and your family based on the needs.
I will work in collaboration with your treating psychiatrist.