Improving the lives of people with schizophrenia

Dear Valued Partners and Stakeholders,

The Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Department of Psychiatry Coordinating Centers of Excellence, which include the Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence, the Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health and the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center, understand that the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is having a major impact on all of us. In accordance with our centers’ missions, we want to provide resources for those affected by serious mental illness and their loved ones. Please see our Important Resources for Mental Health During COVID-19 for recommendations, guidelines and tips we feel it is important to share during this pandemic.

We would like to highlight two BeST Center-specific resources:

Stress Can Worsen Psychotic Symptoms_ BeST Tips for CBT-p Informed Strategies for Responding*

BeST Tips for Supporting Your Loved One During COVID-19*

We encourage you to participate in Virtual Learning Opportunities during this time of physical distancing and to engage in self-care, manage your media exposure and stay connected with resources and networks.

Wishing you and your loved ones health and safety,

Ruth H. Simera, M.Ed., LSW
Executive Director, Coordinating Centers of Excellence

With the right treatments, people with schizophrenia can and do live successfully.

Unfortunately, many people affected by schizophrenia do not have access to the most effective treatments. The BeST Center’s mission is to change this by providing customized training and other resources to individuals and organizations that help people live successfully with schizophrenia:

BeST Center Practices

• FIRST Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode Psychosis
• Family Education and Support
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis
• Integrated Primary and Mental Health Care
• Pharmacotherapy for Schizophrenia
• Cognitive Enhancement Therapy

To discuss customized BeST practice training and consultation, please contact:

Ruth H. Simera, M.Ed., LSW
Executive Director, Coordinating Centers of Excellence
330.325.6670
rsimera@neomed.edu

Connect with the BeST Center on Facebook and  Twitter.