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OASIS

OASIS (Outreach and Support Intervention Services) is an early intervention program for the treatment of psychosis. Our patients are young adults and older adolescents who are experiencing their first psychotic episode. Our clinic is located at Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro, NC.

STEP

STEP (Schizophrenia Treatment and Evaluation Program) is a clinical treatment program for those who have a diagnosed psychotic disorder, most typically schizophrenia. We have an inpatient unit at the UNC Neurosciences Hospital and two outpatient clinics, one at the UNC Neurosciences Hospital and one at Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro, NC.

STEP Research Clinic at the North Carolina Psychiatric Research Center

The STEP Research Clinic focuses on maximizing recovery for those living with serious mental illness through state-of-the-art clinical care, and research studies to advance knowledge and improve treatment options.

Brushes with Life

Brushes with Life: Art, Artists, and Mental Illness is a creative arts program for people in treatment at OASIS and STEP; members of Club Nova, a local clubhouse for persons with mental illness; and other select community programs in the Chapel Hill area.

ncprc.gifA Unique Partnership
The North Carolina Psychiatric Research Center blends treatment resources from North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services with clinical and research expertise from the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health. Located at Central Regional Hospital in Raleigh, NC, and formerly called the Clinical Research Unit of Dorothea Dix Hospital, the research unit has been in operation since 1967. This partnership yields exceptional care in a safe environment for people with severe mental illness, as well as expert consultation services for community mental health agencies and professionals across the state. This forward-thinking collaboration will also produce new information to improve treatment methods for the future.

STEP Research Clinic
at the North Carolina Psychiatric Research Center 

Treatment for Today.
Knowledge for Tomorrow.

Schizophrenia and related mental disorders are medical illnesses that affect the brain. Without treatment, these conditions can seriously disrupt every aspect of a person’s life. However, with proper care, symptoms can be managed, relapse can be prevented, and lasting recovery is possible.

The STEP Research Clinic focuses on maximizing recovery for those living with serious mental illness through:

  • State-of-the-art clinical care for people seeking treatment today, and
  • Research studies to advance knowledge and improve treatments for tomorrow

Moving Forward with Recovery.
Our multidisciplinary staff treats the full spectrum and course of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or other serious mental illness, from onset to active stages and on into recovery. At STEP, we teach patients about their condition and symptoms, help them manage medications, and develop personal coping strategies. STEP also helps patients connect with other community programs that will move them forward with their recovery.

Clozapine Management.
If other antipsychotics have not been successful in treating a person’s mental illness, clozapine may be a viable option. However, using this medication may also have serious side effects. At STEP, we provide the high level of care and monitoring to make sure clozapine is a safe and effective treatment for mental illness.

Here to Help.
Based in the North Carolina Psychiatric Research Center (see sidebar), STEP Research Clinic services are open to residents of Wake County and the surrounding area that are at any stage of coping with schizophrenia or a related condition. All patients who attend the clinic are given the opportunity to participate in innovative treatment studies.

Download the STEP Research Clinic information card (PDF)
Myths View all myths

There's no point in getting help until the illness is really bad, full-blown, or someone gets hurt.

Treatment early in the process, even in the "at risk" or prodromal phases before full psychosis has developed, can pre-empt scary, risky behaviors and may prevent the development of full-blown psychosis altogether for some people. Those interventions can include individual and family therapy, education about the illness (psychoeducation), and close monitoring of symptoms. This allows the treatment team, including the individual and family, to build critical relationships, knowledge, and supports; to develop communication, problem-solving, coping, and stress reduction skills; and to catch emerging psychosis as early as possible.