National Psychology Training Consortium

Introductory --- Designed for psychologists who may have little to no background in a specialized skill or content area. The learner can become acquainted with the theoretical underpinnings, principles, methods, and perspectives of a content area. Although it can be used as a foundation for more advanced learning, a program may simply focus on breadth, enrichment or general knowledge.

Course Description and Target Audience

This presentation will cover foundational knowledge related to schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. The core five factors of psychosis will be described at length to aid in understanding of the differing psychotic disorders and presentations. A refresher of the current DSM psychotic disorders will be provided with special attention paid to differentiating between the diagnoses. Research demonstrates critical diagnostic racial and cultural considerations for psychotic disorders that can have severe impacts on certain populations and the current literature will be discussed. 

General knowledge pertaining to assessment referrals and tools will be provided. Evidence-based treatment strategies for both individual and group therapy will be reviewed. Additional content will include research, strategies, and case studies to address myths, etiology, and medications. Target audience: Mental health professionals and trainees who work with serious mental illness or in generalist capacities in which concerns may arise for mild to serious psychotic experiences.

Only current research (within the past 10 years) and evidence-based tools and interventions will be utilized. This topic covers the full spectrum of psychotic experiences to ensure relevance across attendees regardless the area or population they work with. This is intended to be an introductory training of the basic knowledge and important considerations related to psychosis in general. As such, the topic will cover more breadth than depth. Some individuals become uncomfortable when discussing psychosis. Further, for any attendees with personal histories of self or loved ones with psychosis, some sections of this topic may be difficult. 

Research demonstrates critical diagnostic considerations for psychosis related to many factors, including race, culture, religion, age, and language. Lack of awareness or neglect to give sufficient consideration of these research outcomes can have detrimental impacts on certain populations. This will be a prominent portion of the presentation.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to identify the five domains of psychosis.
• Participants will be able to differentiate between the schizophrenia/psychotic spectrum disorders.
• Participants will be able to list evidence-based tools for evaluating psychotic symptoms and describe at least 3 special considerations for conducting assessments with this population.
• Participants will be able to describe at least 3 approaches for the treatment of psychotic spectrum disorders.

Presenter Information

A recent graduate of the University of Indianapolis' Doctor of Psychology program and NPTC Great Lakes Region internship in 2024, Dr. Cassie Douglas has just completed an informal postdoctoral year at Connections, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN. Having recently obtained my professional license, I am transitioning into a contract psychologist position at Connections, Inc. where I will continue to begin my early career. I enjoy my current position of administering comprehensive assessments to individuals across the lifespan involved with probation and child protective services, as well as supervising practicum students. My primary interest areas include serious mental illness, personality disorders, and those with legal involvement, of which I enjoy providing individual and group therapy and especially assessments. In my free time, I enjoy spoiling my two cats and reading an excessive amount of books.

Video Homestudy Format

CE’s for this homestudy training will be earned through completing the following tasks:

• Watch the presentation video and review all provided documents in their entirety.
• Pass the post-test questionnaire with at least 80% correct.

A program evaluation form will be provided to all who registered following the training. Please be sure to complete this form since your feedback helps direct future CE programming from our organization.

Registration Cost

This cost includes video links, materials, and tests required to obtain CE’s. Your CE certificate will be made available to you upon successful completion of the training (80% or higher on exam).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Training Support - Ember Serencko at [email protected].

National Psychology Training Consortium (NPTC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NPTC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.