As with physical illnesses, the early identification and treatment of mental and emotional problems can lead to a better prognosis. The longer an illness is left untreated, the greater is the disruption to the person's ability to study, work, meet new friends, and socialize comfortably.
The PRIME Research Clinic aims to reduce early symptoms of serious mental illness. At PRIME, people have the opportunity to discuss their concerns and participate in research studies focusing on identifying, monitoring and managing troubling symptoms and at-risk signs of serious mental illness.
How We Can Help
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Free clinical evaluations and assessment, specifically a SIPS assessment
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Supportive counseling
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Follow-along monitoring
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Clinical treatment with medication, if eligible
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Neuropsychological testing
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations
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Community education
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Free treatment
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Collaboration with community providers and schools
What is a SIPS Assessment?
The Structured Interview of Psychosis-risk Syndromes (SIPS) is a structured interview for diagnosing a clinical high risk (CHR) syndrome for psychosis and cases of first episode psychosis. It includes overview of the individuals history and a series of questions to understand the young persons' experience to the best of our ability so we can determine the next best step for care.
One of our highly skilled clinicians will conduct this evaluation free for persons aged 12 – 25. The evaluation can take place in person at our clinic or via tele-health and can last anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The evaluator will meet with the parent and child together for a short period to gather background information. Then the parent will step out while we conduct the bulk of the interview with the young person alone. At the end of the assessment we will give the results of the assessment to the parent and young person. Treatment options can be discussed at this time. It should be noted that this diagnostic evaluation is done for free whether or not a person wants treatment at the clinic. The individual will receive a summary of their results to share with their clinician and/or other providers.
In order to receive treatment at our Clinic, individuals must first complete the SIPS Evaluation to determine eligibility.
We offer multi-disciplinary comprehensive coordinated speciality care at the PRIME Clinic which is a recovery-focused program. Our clinical specialists work as a team alongside our clients to create personalized treatment plans and share in the decision making.
Care at our clinic always begins with psych-education for both the individual and the family to fully educate everyone involved in the individuals care on symptoms and experiences of CHR and best care practices. Clients at PRIME will also receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions. Medication management is also available at the PRIME Clinic and our psychiatrists work closely with clients to ensure they are comfortable and confident in their treatment choices. Throughout care at PRIME, clients progress will be followed closely so that we can ensure your are receiving the best care at all times.
Our clinic also offers group therapy for both clients and parents/family members, as well as peer support counseling from clients who have gone through our program and are now in remission from their symptoms.
Prior to receiving care at PRIME, clients must first receive a SIPS Evaluation. If you'd like to see if the PRIME Clinic is the best place for your care, we can schedule a SIPS with one of our clinical specialists.
The PRIME Clinic accepts all public and private forms of insurance and in addition offers care to uninsured patients.
Care at the PRIME Clinic
How to Receive Care at the PRIME Clinic
The first step in receiving care at the PRIME Clinic is to first complete a phone screen to determine eligibility for a SIPS evaluation. You can do so by clicking here. Once you complete this form, someone from our team will reach out to you for additional information and to schedule your SIPS evaluation, if eligible.
Individuals must then complete a SIPS Evaluation. During the COVID Pandemic, SIPS Evaluations are being offered via Zoom. A SIPS Evaluation allows us to provide diagnostic clarity and determine if an individual is at clinical high risk.
Results of the SIPS Evaluation will determine the next best steps for your care. If results indicate that an individual is at clinical high risk, they will be invited to participate in treatment at our clinic where we specialize in symptoms and experiences seen in those at clinical high risk. If an individual is not considered at clinical high risk or eligible for our clinic, we will suggest next best steps for your care.
SIPS Certification Training
Professionals who work with young people with mental health concerns who have a familiarity with psychological assessment or symptoms of psychosis, who develop hands-on skills through specialized training, can administer and interpret the SIPS assessment.
The goals of this training are for participants to become familiar with the general signs and symptoms of CHR patients, to become familiar with the SIPS diagnostic and symptom severity measure, to learn how to utilize the SIPS to diagnose psychosis-risk states and psychosis, and to be able to rate reliably a SIPS interview.
Participants will become certified users of the SIPS upon successful completion of the training requirements in the workshop, including being able to accurately rate videos.
The current version of the SIPS is the 5.6.1 version. This is available when you access the SIPS Certification Training.
Please contact us to arrange a training in your area or to locate a training near you.
Yale Certified SIPS Trainers
In order to be certified in the use and interpretation of the SIPS assessment you must attend a two day training by one of our credentialed trainers.
Barbara C. Walsh, PhD
Co Author and Lead Trainer
PRIME Clinic
Yale University School of Medicine
Jean Addington, PhD
University of Calgary
Calgary, Canada
Frauke Schultze-Lutter
Heinrich-Heine University
Dusseldorf, Germany
Niklas Grano, PhD
Certified SIPS Assessor and Trainer
University of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland
Maria Ferrara, MD
Certified SIPS Assessor and Trainer
New Haven, CT
Italy
Jason Schiffman, PhD
Certified SIPS Assessor and Trainer
University of Maryland
Baltimore County, Maryland
Ryan Melton, PhD
EASA Clinical Director
Oregon Health Science University
Portland, Oregon