Young People, Families, and Recovery in Early Psychosis
- 3:30-4:15pm Family Recovery in First Episode Psychosis: Perspective from Georgia’s Peer Workforce and Team Leads - Beth Broussard, MPH CHES, Emily Griner, MPH, Sophie Pollack-Milgate, BA, Angie S. Williams
- 4:15pm-5pm Negotiating Identities: Supporting Recovery During the Transition to Adulthood - Michaela I. Fissel, MA
Family Recovery in First Episode Psychosis: Perspective from Georgia’s Peer Workforce and Team Leads - Beth Broussard, MPH CHES, Emily Griner, MPH,
Sophie Pollack-Milgate, BA, Angie S. WilliamsWhile the dominant model in mental health recovery focuses on the individual, personal recovery cannot be separated from the functioning of the family unit (Price-Robertson, 2016). Families frequently face emotional distress and confusion following a diagnosis, yet they often play a central role in supporting individuals' recovery, highlighting the need for services that address the wellbeing and recovery of the family unit (Mueser et al., 2015; Sharony & Josman, 2022; Estradé et al., 2023; Brunette et al., 2018; Gordon et al., 2016). In the state of Georgia, Certified Peer Specialist Parents (CPS-P) have been incorporated into psychosis care through first episode psychosis (FEP) programs to provide support to family members by using their own lived experience (Georgia Parent Support Network). Drawing from qualitative work with CPS-Ps, CPSs, and Team Leads working in FEP programs in the state of Georgia, this panel will explore the multiple ways in which peers conceptualize family recovery: through the holistic recovery of the family unit, the recovery and wellbeing of individual family members, and family recovery as a means of strengthening the family’s ability to support their loved one’s recovery. The panel will also discuss ways the peer workforce in Georgia has fostered greater connection not only within family units, but also across broader communities through shared lived experience, extending beyond the traditional Certified Peer Specialist model.
Negotiating Identities: Supporting Recovery During the Transition to Adulthood - Michaela I. Fissel, MA
This session is designed for people working with transition-aged youth and young adults seeking to enhance their ability to promote recovery during the transition to adulthood through a developmentally appropriate and generationally relevant perspective. For young people who experience psychosis and altered states of consciousness, the transition into adulthood can seem unattainable. With a 15% growth in the rate of mental health challenges experienced by young adults in the last decade there is a greater likelihood that the current generation of young adults will experience the highest rates of life-long and chronic illness than any other generation before. Despite more than two decades of research and tailored services, the impact of mental health challenges continues to derail young adults and miff policy makers and treatment providers. This interactive training offers a dynamic process to encourage attendees to explore approaches for promoting self-exploration and personal growth as young folks negotiate identities towards recovering a sense of self beyond a psychiatric diagnosis.
