Residential and Community Treatment of Psychosis

Amplifying Voices, Embracing Humanity: Uniting for Humanistic Psychosis Care

A collaborative conference presented by Ellenhorn, Gould Farm, and The Erikson Institute of the Austen Riggs Center

Our conference gathers professionals and advocates who are dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to supporting the recovery of individuals with psychosis within residential and community settings. Grounded in humanistic principles, our three organizations will describe our treatment approach, what we are learning from the people we treat and the systems of care in the USA that are often fragmented. Community treatment provides a robust opportunity for recovery and moves beyond mere symptom reduction to include helping individuals discover a sense of purpose, identity, and belonging. We will learn together about the best practices to support clinicians, communities, and families, working with people experiencing psychosis.  

We invite clinicians and those interested in the collaborative treatment of psychosis to come together to hear from leaders in clinical treatment and advocacy, to participate in small group discussions, and engage in conversations with those working in residential and community treatment settings.

Join us on June 6-8, 2024, in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains at Gould Farm, founded in 1913 as the first residential therapeutic community in the nation dedicated to helping adults with mental health challenges. Opportunities to be in conversation with professionals from Ellenhorn, specializing in the Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) model and integrative treatment modalities, and the Austen Riggs Center, founded in 1919 as a psychiatric hospital and residential treatment center with a continuum of care, and intensive individual psychotherapy within a therapeutic community program.

A central theme of our conference is the importance of recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives of individuals with psychosis. We believe that by embracing a person-centered approach, we can create treatment environments that honor the dignity and autonomy of each individual, fostering a sense of belonging and recovery.

If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to Ellenhorn's Director of Brand & Identity Development, Gabe Dunn at gdunn@ellenhorn.com

Featured Speakers

Sponsors

At Ellenhorn, we believe that our clients have lost their sense of a dream. Our job is to help our clients return to functioning in all areas of their lives. We built our program around the PACT model, a multidisciplinary team approach that serves clients wherever they are. PACT is the most researched evidence-based model for serving individuals affected by serious psychiatric experiences. In this model, as much as 70% of our contacts with clients take place outside the office, in the community, as we build therapeutic relationships focused on restoring their faith that they can master and control their own lives. Combining this person-centered way of delivering services with psychiatric care unparalleled in any outpatient facility in the U.S., we aim to support our client’s psychosocial recovery, as they build (or rebuild) a strong sense of purpose through volunteer work, school, career, job or in recreational settings. Working alongside them in all these settings, we are able to help clients re-establish a foothold in pursuit of their dream. While many clients come to us from other programs , we do not consider ourselves a step-down program that works with people once they are stable. We are an alternative to residential and even hospital-level care.

Gould Farm is a therapeutic community situated on a 750-acre working farm in the Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts. Our organization serves individuals aged 18 and above who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression, and other related mental health difficulties. Continuum of Services: - Life in a caring community of peers, staff and their families - Clinical services and support (Licensed by the State of Massachusetts) - A structured work program with varied activities on the farm - Transitional services in Western Massachusetts and the Boston area Gould Farm, established in 1913, is first residential community in the nation devoted to helping adults surmount mental health challenges and progress toward recovery, wellness, and greater independence through a combination of community living, meaningful work, and clinical support. The guests of Gould Farm enjoy the safety and security of a warm and welcoming family-like community that is composed of staff, families, volunteers, and fellow guests. All members are not only accepted, but they are also deeply respected and celebrated for their unique individuality.

The Austen Riggs Center is an internationally renowned therapeutic community, open psychiatric hospital, and center for clinical education and research—a place that promotes personal resilience and self-direction in adults (18+) with complex psychiatric problems. The Austen Riggs Center exists to help people with complex psychiatric disorders take charge of their lives. Our work is grounded in the centrality of human relationships, understanding the meanings behind symptoms, and respecting the individual’s authority and voice in their own treatment and their own life.