Outpatient

Medication Management

The clinic is part of the residency training program in the Department of Psychiatry. Each patient in the STEP Clinic works with a psychiatry resident and attending for optimal medication management. Because we are part of a training program, patients in the STEP Clinic may work with residents for several months up to three years. We make every attempt to ensure continuity through the attending psychiatrist.

Social Work

Clinical social workers provide psychosocial assessment, case management, individual and group psychotherapy, community support and family support.

Psychotherapy

Individual and group psychotherapy is available in the STEP Clinic. Psychotherapy may be provided by psychiatry residents, graduate students, or clinical social workers.

Family Support

All clinicians in STEP are encouraged to include family in the treatment of persons with psychotic disorders. Social workers in STEP provide family support and psychoeducation.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is available to provide assistance with independent living skills and time management.

Research

Most of the faculty who work with STEP are involved in research. Patients in the STEP Clinic have the opportunity to participate in a variety of research studies. This participation is always voluntary. More information about current research studies can be obtained by visiting the Department of Psychiatry website at: http://www.psychiatry.unc.edu/research/welcome.htm

Consultation

Faculty and staff in STEP can provide consultation to psychiatrists and other mental health professionals for diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations.

Getting an Appointment

Everyone referred to the STEP Clinic is initially screened for admission by the Director of Outpatient Services to assess whether the clinic can meet the needs of that person. It is not necessary to obtain a referral from another treatment provider to become a patient of the STEP Clinic. Preference is given to residents of Orange and Chatham Counties. STEP is fully endorsed to provide community support by Orange Person Chatham Local Management Entity.