Assistant Professor Rufina Lee is leading model development and training for New York City’s new public health initiative to enhance early detection, treatment and referral to specialized early intervention services for persons who are experiencing first episodes of psychosis. Early intervention for psychotic illness, including schizophrenia, is associated with improved clinical and functional outcomes but a significant proportion of young adults with psychosis do not receive treatment and support in a timely manner. Using an adaptation of the evidence-based Critical Time Intervention model, the New York City Supportive Transition and Recovery Team (NYC START), will offer outreach, care coordination, psycho-education and support services to persons, age 18 to 30, who have been psychiatrically hospitalized for the first time due to psychosis. Services will be delivered by professional social workers and specially trained peer workers.
I miss my professors each day, even though I have them with me every step of my professional way. My coworkers graduated from varying schools and do not mention their experiences. I know how privileged I was to be selected to attend Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter.