Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders: Comprehensive Assessment and Evidence-Informed Treatment Strategies

This 4-week hybrid course provides an in-depth exploration of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, emphasizing accurate assessment, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment planning. Participants will examine schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, and other specified or unspecified psychotic disorders, with attention to symptom presentation across the lifespan.

The course integrates neurobiological, developmental, and psychosocial perspectives to enhance understanding of the etiology, course, and functional impact of psychotic disorders. Participants will develop skills in conducting structured clinical interviews, assessing risk (including suicidality and violence), and differentiating psychotic disorders from mood, substance-related, and medical conditions.

Evidence-based interventions—including antipsychotic medication management collaboration, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, family-focused therapy, and social skills training—will be emphasized. The hybrid format combines live interactive sessions, recorded lectures, case consultations, applied exercises, and reflective assignments, enabling participants to develop individualized treatment plans, manage acute and chronic symptoms, and support long-term recovery and functional outcomes.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Accurately identify and diagnose schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using DSM-5-TR criteria
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and risk assessments
• Develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans integrating pharmacological and psychosocial interventions
• Apply CBT, psychoeducation, family interventions, and social skills training to improve outcomes
• Integrate culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and ethical practices into care
• Monitor treatment progress, manage acute episodes, and support long-term functional recovery