Yale Clinician to Speak on Mental Illness Intervention, Dec. 6

Fairfield, CT - A Yale Clinical expert on Early Mental Illness Intervention will speak at NAMI Fairfield, Wed. December 6^th, 7:30-9pm, First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Rd, Fairfield. 

NAMI Fairfield, a community organization providing support and education for people affected by mental illness, is excited to have Albert Russell Powers, MD, PhD, Clinical Instructor at the Yale University Department of Psychiatry and Medical Director of the PRIME Psychosis Research Clinic at Yale.

Dr. Powers treats his patients with Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP). STEP is a clinic staffed by mental health providers in different fields – psychology, psychiatry, nursing, and social work. This "interdisciplinary" team seeks to provide comprehensive care for individuals who are early in the course of a psychotic illness in order to prevent symptoms from becoming disabling.

Treatment at STEP starts with thorough assessment in order to gain the best understanding of what may be causing the person's difficulties. Based upon individual needs and preferences, treatment may include medication management, community coaching (e.g. support in getting back to school or work), individual and group therapy, as well as support and education for family members and friends.

The goal is to work with patients and their families to improve functioning, reduce stress, and minimize symptoms to facilitate independence and life satisfaction. Early intervention maximizes the chances of returning individuals to their desired goals—whether a job, school, or valued roles in their family or community. Dr. Power’s presentation will take place 7:30-9:00 pm at First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Road in Fairfield. 

About NAMI Fairfield 

NAMI Fairfield provides free support, education and advocacy to all individuals and families in Fairfield, Westport, Bridgeport, Stratford, Shelton, Trumbull and nearby towns, who are impacted by mental health concerns and raises public awareness to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. NAMI Fairfield is affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness and NAMI Connecticut, our state chapter.  Find us at www.NAMIFairfield.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NAMIFairfield.