Training Testimonials

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Psychiatry Fellowship

Take advantage of this one-year training opportunity for general and specialty psychiatry trainees preparing to enter their PGY-5 or above year of training.

Purpose

To prepare psychiatrists to be effective local, national, and global leaders in community mental health by providing training in interdisciplinary models of care, community-minded and recovery-oriented clinical services, consumer-relevant research, evidence-based practices, quality improvement, and mental health advocacy and policy.

Features

Expert-led weekly seminars to apply literature review to practical clinical scenarios
Dedicated time in diverse community settings, including the STEP Community Mental Health Clinic and primary care clinics, with site placement supervision removed from the clinical site placement
Opportunities to take an active role in site administration
Completion of an academic project with program supervision
Elective experience with various state entities, advocacy organizations, and community partners
Exposure to policy formation with various stakeholders within the mental health system

Structure

20% Didactics, mentoring/supervision, and academic project
20% Administrative
10% Policy/advocacy and electives
50% Clinical

* There is an optional two-year format to allow completion of coursework toward a certificate program or a Masters in Public Health. Determined annually.

Application for the 2012-2013 year will begin in Fall 2011.

For additional information, contact:
Robin Reed
robin_reed@med.unc.edu or
Dr. Brian Sheitman
brian_sheitman@med.unc.edu

The Community Psychiatry Fellowship enjoys the support of University, government, and local and regional non-government and volunteer organizations, including: the UNC Schools of Public Health, Social Work, and Pharmacy; the UNC Department of Psychology, and the Sheps Center for Health Services Research; the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, and the North Carolina General Assembly; Local Management Entities; and, Community Care of North Carolina.

View all myths

People snap and become psychotic with no warning or trigger.

For about half the people diagnosed with schizophrenia, their symptoms develop gradually, over the course of months or years. For the other half, it occurs more quickly, over the course of days or weeks. (Source: Textbook of Schizophrenia, p. 354)

The prodrome is a period of time during which the person's behaviors are markedly different from before and their ability to function overall declines, but they have not yet developed full psychosis. The prodrome period lasts on average from 2 to 5 years. (Source: Textbook of Schizophrenia, pp. 341-342)

Clinically, we have observed psychosis to be a stress-sensitive illness, as are many illnesses. Although sometimes it seems like symptoms just appear, we believe they are usually triggered by some perceived stress or stimulus (job loss, change in a relationship, etc.). Additionally, stressful events can trigger a relapse. As one of our doctors aptly puts it, "Anything that wigs you out can cause a relapse." Relapse planning or crisis planning is a process used by individuals and clinicians to identify triggers and to reduce their impact.

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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