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Training Testimonials

My training at STEP allowed me to really sink my teeth into the complexity of mental illness. It challenged me to constantly think of ways to connect with these individuals so that I could push them one more "step" forward toward the person they wanted to be. It was hard work and emotionally draining at times, but it helped me recognize my strengths and how I could help. Because of my experience, I plan to advocate on behalf of people who suffer from mental illness, in hopes that they can partake in a more meaningful life.

— Latoya, graduate-level occupational therapy student

The learning environment at STEP is great, because it balances the academic support of the University with the real-world opportunities of an outpatient clinic. This gave me a wonderful chance to learn and grow as a clinician. Working hands-on in the field was so rewarding and challenging! With the support of a strong team, I feel like I gained as much from my time at STEP as I did in the classroom.

— Mary Shannon, graduate-level social work intern

I am deeply appreciative of the education I received at STEP. I am even more appreciative to have witnessed the cohesive teamwork of all the kind and dedicated social workers, doctors, and other professionals who work at the clinic. These professionals are so compassionate and willing to believe in the strengths, talents, and skills of their clients. What an important attitude to have, especially at a clinic that has become a leader in the mental health community!

— Ellen, graduate-level social work intern

I was drawn to the STEP internship after watching a video, and now I wouldn't do anything different than work in the field with these folks. It's my passion. But as a professional, you've got to be very flexible and really love the work to stick with it. It's exciting that UNC is taking a leadership role in offering training and support — because there is such a huge need.

— Amy, graduate-level social work intern

My STEP clinic experience was a landmark in my clinical training, giving me powerful skills for intervening with clients. Under expert supervision and guidance, I learned about multiple treatment options, including individual and group counseling, intensive case management, family therapy, and clinical research. Thank you to all staff and clients!

— Lee, graduate-level rehabilitation counseling and psychology intern

Training at OASIS and STEP taught me the value of working as part of a multidisciplinary team that looks at cases from several different theoretical perspectives. Everyone was always willing to take time to answer my questions and offer guidance.

— Keith, graduate-level rehabilitation counseling and psychology intern

Working with the STEP/OASIS clinic gave me the opportunity to expand my counseling skills with the SPMI population. It also dispelled many misconceptions I had about people with psychotic disorders. Thanks to my internship, I gained the confidence and skills I needed to be an effective therapist for my clients with SPMI, and to lead a Community Support Team.

— Erin, graduate-level rehabilitation counseling and psychology intern

Teaching Throughout
the University

In addition to working with students at the Center, our staff guest lectures throughout the University, and coordinates lecture series and courses on severe and persistent mental illness under the auspices of the School of Medicine, including community psychiatry, and group and family therapy.

For more information about training opportunities, please contact:

Selden Holt, LCSW
Training Coordinator
holts@med.unc.edu
919.942.7363, x 246

Training Mental Health Professionals

A Strong Tradition

Since 1993, health professionals learning to treat people with serious mental illness have had internships or field placements at STEP, the Schizophrenia Treatment and Evaluation Program, within the Department of Psychiatry at UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Medicine.

Founded by psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and recreation therapists who worked together on an inpatient unit, STEP was developed to offer specialized programming for those inpatients with psychotic disorders. To improve continuity of care, the inpatient staff started seeing their patients in the outpatient setting. In 1993, the STEP clinic served 54 outpatients. Now, there are two STEP clinics serving more than 300 people.

Since STEP's early days, over 170 psychiatry residents and 20 clinical social work students have trained here, along with others in the fields of psychology, rehabilitation counseling and psychology, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, and public health. Many of these professionals remain in practice throughout North Carolina.

With the creation of the Center in 2009, we expanded our internship and field placement opportunities and further embraced an interdisciplinary focus, recognizing the rich dialogue and creative thinking that can occur when multiple disciplines work together on challenging issues. This approach serves as the backbone of our training philosophy.

Learn more about our other training efforts:

Ongoing Learning

…such as specialized AHEC trainings and the Center’s annual STEP Symposium

Internships and Field Placements

Community Psychiatry Fellowship

View all myths

Once a person is diagnosed, they understand their symptoms and aren't affected by them as much.

You can talk someone with schizophrenia out of their delusions.

Pointing out a person's symptoms, or labeling them with a diagnosis, is rarely enough to make symptoms go away, whether you are talking about depression, mania, psychosis, or any other illness for that matter. Just telling a person it is a delusion, or a product of their mind rarely helps.

The idea of insight, having an understanding of the illness and its effects, is what many of the psychosocial treatments work to instill. Using the process of psychoeducation, a care provider teaches about the specific illness, how it affects people, and how treatments work. Cognitive-behavioral approaches help people evaluate their beliefs and how those affect their feelings and behaviors. Group interventions help break the isolation and allow peers to educate each other and practice skills together. Family psychoeducation and family groups help families understand these interactions and reinforce them outside of the session.

Over the course of an illness, individuals can achieve a great deal of insight and significant coping skills that will help them not only understand but manage their symptoms. That is often a gradual process achieved over time, and can be an important part of the recovery process.

SAMHSA, the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Agency, combines several of those modalities in toolkits available for free via their website. Check out Illness Management and Recovery (IMR), Family Psychoeducation (FPE), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), and Supported Employment, which are all particularly relevant for people with schizophrenia and other SPMIs. (http://store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA09-4463)

Founded in January 2009, the Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health is part of the Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Addressing quality of care and workforce development issues in North Carolina's mental health system, the Center and its clinical programs are supported by a three-year grant from The Duke Endowment, as well as Cross Area Services Program (CASP) funds. The program operates in conjunction with multiple university, state, and community-based partners.
© 2010 UNC CMH

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