UCLA Aftercare Research Program

Happy Halloween! The UCLA Aftercare Research Program wishes you all a fun, spooky, and safe day!🎃👻🍭🕸 #ucla #uclahealth #uclaaftercare #happyhalloween #spooky #trickortreat #schizophrenia #mentalhealth #schizophreniaresearch #mentalhealthresearch #firstepisode

At the UCLA Aftercare Program, we’ve always taken a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment, recognizing that recovery is not just about symptom management but about helping individuals rebuild their lives. In the past, we were proud to offer the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) – Supported Employment program, which provided our participants with the opportunity to secure competitive employment or return to school as part of their recovery process. The impact of this program continues to influence how we think about recovery today. The IPS model was groundbreaking in its integration of employment services into mental health treatment, highlighting the critical role that meaningful work plays in fostering independence, stability, and a sense of purpose. One of the program’s key principles was its "zero exclusion" policy, which welcomed anyone with the desire to work, regardless of their mental health condition. This inclusive approach aligned with our broader mission at the UCLA Aftercare Program, which is to support individuals in reclaiming their lives in every possible way. Our past experience with the IPS program profoundly shaped our view on recovery. We saw firsthand how the opportunity to engage in meaningful work could accelerate an individual's recovery process, boost self-confidence, and enhance their quality of life. This understanding has deeply informed how we support our participants today. While we now focus on other areas of treatment, we continue to emphasize the importance of personal empowerment and holistic well-being. Furthermore, we continue to work with individuals in their broader recovery journeys, connecting them to resources and supporting their goals for independence and stability. The lessons we learned from IPS remain integral to our approach, and we continue to advocate for the kind of comprehensive support that programs like IPS offer. Treatment at the UCLA Aftercare Program: https://lnkd.in/g7fAYZpn Source: https://lnkd.in/dQM-_fsp #UCLAHealth #UCLAAftercare #schizophreniaresearch

The UCLA Aftercare Research Program Presents: An Interview with Dr. Luana Turner It’s with great admiration that we celebrate Dr. Luana Turner as she retires after more than 20 years of dedicated service as a clinical psychologist. Throughout her career, Dr. Turner has been a guiding force at the UCLA Aftercare Research Program, providing therapy, case management, and counseling to individuals recovering from a first episode of schizophrenia. Her work extended beyond patient care, as she was instrumental in training doctoral students and interns as a primary clinical supervisor, while also co-developing a practicum program. With a focus on multicultural community clinical psychology, Dr. Turner’s expertise in diversity and inclusivity has had a profound impact on the lives of many. She is also highly regarded for her specialization in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment and education (SEE), offering services to individuals and consulting with organizations implementing this model. Her compassionate, strength-based approach has left a lasting legacy. On behalf of everyone at UCLA Aftercare Research Program, we extend our deepest gratitude and wish her the very best in her retirement!💙✨👏 Click below to watch the full interview! https://lnkd.in/ggKMWf56

We're hiring! 🎉 The UCLA Aftercare Research Program is seeking to hire a part-time faculty Assistant Research Psychologist. Interested in applying? Check out the job listing here for how to apply, or send us a message to learn more! 👏 #ucla #uclahealth #uclaaftercare #research #hiring #hiringnow #schizophrenia #schizophreniaresearch #psychosis #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #firstepisode #recentonset #medication #psychologist

It's #WorldMentalHealthDay💚💙 Mental health impacts us all and it's okay to put your mental health first. The UCLA Aftercare Research Program strives to raise awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination by providing a space for open dialogue, education, and support. Together, we can make schizophrenia a priority and break down barriers so that people living with schizophrenia can thrive. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline #UCLA #UCLAHealth #uclaaftercare #schizophrenia #schizophreniaresearch #mentalhealth #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #breakthestigma #support

Early intervention (EI) after a first episode of psychosis can dramatically improve outcomes for teens and young adults. Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) reduces relapse rates by over 50% by offering a comprehensive approach involving medication, therapy, family support, and educational/vocational help. EI in schizophrenia offers benefits including:  Reduced Severity of Symptoms: Addressing psychosis in its early stages helps prevent the development of severe, long-term symptoms. Lower Relapse Rates: EI decreases the likelihood of relapses by establishing timely, consistent treatment plans. Improved Long-term Outcomes: Patients who receive early care have better functional recovery, lower disability, and increased chances of remission. Enhanced Quality of Life: By minimizing untreated psychosis, EI improves social, educational, and occupational outcomes. Reduced Healthcare Costs: Early treatment reduces the need for long-term, intensive interventions, lowering overall care costs. UCLA Aftercare's Treatment Plan emphasizes the critical role of early interventions in schizophrenia care. By addressing early psychotic symptoms and providing a range of therapeutic services (supportive therapy, family therapy, crisis intervention), the aim is to improve long-term outcomes. This focus on frequent follow-up and strong treatment alliances mirrors the evolving understanding that earlier, more comprehensive care can prevent chronicity and enhance the quality of life for those affected. Source: https://lnkd.in/eFqCyDxY #UCLAHealth #UCLAAftercare #SchizophreniaResearch #EarlyOnset   

What an amazing way to celebrate being ranked the #1 public university in the nation! 💙💛🥳 #UCLA #GoBruins #1UCLA

It is bittersweet that we announce the retirement of Drs. Luana Turner and Margaret Distler from the UCLA Aftercare Program. Dr. Turner served as a case manager, therapist, and clinical supervisor. Dr. Distler served as a psychiatrist and medical director. We will miss them greatly but wish them all the best in their future endeavors! 💙✨ Check out these photos from when staff and loved ones got together to celebrate these two incredible professionals (left: Dr. Turner, right: Dr. Distler)! 👏 We would also like to formally welcome Dr. Dennis Dacarett-Galeano, MD, MPH and Dr. Paige Bakman, LMFT, PsyD to UCLA Aftercare! We are excited to have you join our team of clinicians and researchers. Please join us in welcoming Drs. Bakman and Galeano! #ucla #uclahealth #uclaaftercare #retirement #celebration #psychosis #schizophrenia #schizophreniaresearch #mentalhealth #research

As the school year begins, maintaining a consistent routine is more important than ever, especially for those living with schizophrenia. Routine is crucial for individuals with schizophrenia because it provides structure and predictability, which can help reduce stress. A consistent routine supports better management of daily tasks, enhances social interactions, and fosters a sense of stability, which can be particularly beneficial in managing symptoms. Regular routines can also improve medication adherence, sleep patterns, and overall functioning, making it easier for individuals to cope with the challenges of the disorder. Overall, routine acts as a therapeutic tool, promoting mental health and well-being. At the UCLA Aftercare Program, our treatment plans emphasize the importance of routines to help our patients manage symptoms and stay on track, whether they're returning to school or navigating everyday life. We ensure that our patients are supported in maintaining routines that promote long-term well-being. To learn more about our treatment plan: https://lnkd.in/g7fAYZpn #UCLAHealth #UCLAAftercare #SchizophreniaResearch

❓FAQ: How Will the UCLA Aftercare Research Program Help Participants Return to School and/or Work? At the UCLA Aftercare Research Program, our dedicated therapists, case managers, and treatment team members meet with participants weekly to support their journey back to school or work. For those interested in returning to education, we help identify schools and programs that align with their goals. We also assist with planning course schedules, offering study tips, and connecting participants with essential academic resources, such as tutoring. If participants choose to enter the workforce instead, we guide them in finding employment opportunities, crafting resumes, practicing interview skills, and navigating the application process. Our mission is to provide tailored support that empowers participants to achieve their educational and career aspirations. To find the answers to other FAQs, or learn more about our research:  https://lnkd.in/dSdQusKH #UCLAAftercare #FAQ #MentalHealthSupport #Education #CareerDevelopment #SchizophreniaResearch