SI for Adults with Psychosis and Cognition Challenges
We’re not a “one size fits all” program. Each adult client is assigned to one of four specialized recovery communities and a “core group” within that community. Each core group is a primary support system of 10 to 15 clients with similar diagnoses and is led by a specialized counselor. Each client also receives individualized, one-on-one support from a primary counselor and psychiatrist who focus specifically on clients in that recovery community. Clients may transition from one recovery community to another based on goals, clinical presentation, and achievement. Social integration, or SI, is one of our recovery communities.
SI promotes strategies for independent and healthy living
The social integration recovery community works with individuals ages 26 and older experiencing psychosis and/or cognition problems related to a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Our Social Integration clients are focused on socialization, returning to work or school, and maintaining health and independent living.
Some clients have a sustained history of psychiatric illness, and their symptoms are mostly under control. They may have ongoing chronic symptoms and need to find ways to live with those symptoms while maximizing functionality and independence in the community.
Other clients may have been managing a mood disorder for many years and are now experiencing psychosis as a new symptom. We help these clients find new ways to manage their illness, including medications and evidence-based therapies.
Components of SI
Individual and group work in SI focuses on:
- Developing effective strategies like reality testing to address persistent cognitive distortions
- Identifying and addressing barriers to healthy relationships, community connections, or vocational goals
- Adopting healthy living habits including healthy eating, exercise, and sleep hygiene
- Improving medication adherence and coping with side effects
- Utilizing family and social support and improving communication
- Increasing fun or pleasurable activities and community engagement
Cognitive Therapy
SI clients also participate in Cognitive Therapy (CT). CT is a computer-based therapeutic training program designed to improve the cognitive abilities of individuals who experience cognitive deficits as a result of untreated psychosis, mania, and other symptoms of mental illness. The program engages individuals in a variety of computer-based exercises designed to improve memory, intelligence, brain speed, attention, navigation skills and people skills. The exercises change daily based on one’s progress and can be altered to meet the needs of each individual.