Welcome

Who We Are:

SIG members are researchers, clinicians, program directors, and/or administrators pursuing the development, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based cognitive-behavioral interventions (e.g., social skills training, cognitive therapy, cognitive remediation, illness management, behavioral family therapy) for people with serious mental disorders. We also have many student members preparing for these careers. 

Our Mission, Vision, and Values:

MISSION (our current focus/purpose)

Our SIG promotes the development, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based interventions and behavioral assessments for persons experiencing, or at risk for, psychosis and problems on the schizophrenia spectrum. 

VISION (the ideal future we seek)

Together we work toward a future where evidence-based interventions and behavioral assessments are available to all experiencing psychosis and problems on the schizophrenia spectrum, empowering them to achieve the best possible quality of life.

VALUES (the principles that guide our efforts)

We are committed to the following core values that guide us in these efforts: 1. Biopsychosocial research as a fundamental tool for discovering and developing effective interventions and sound assessments. 2. The social context as a vital perspective from which to understand and address clinical problems. This includes: a) Research on stigmatization, diversity, and disparities in access to evidence-based treatments. b) Advocacy, mental health policy, and well-coordinated systems of care which promote our mission. c) Partnership with those who have lived experience with the mental health problems we address, their families, and other stakeholders in the system of care.

The Psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum Special Interest Group (PASS-SIG) is changing its name to “Psychosis and Schizophrenia Spectrum Special Interest Group” (PASS-SIG).  This is the result of a several year process of discussion, nomination, and voting to find a name. The goal was to find a new name (and associated acronym) that is catchier and more memorable, and incorporates language widely accepted across different research and mental health stakeholder groups.  We also wanted a name that reflects and promotes the Mission-Vision-Values statements adopted at our 2018 annual meeting. “Psychosis” and “Schizophenia” would seem to be the most reliable, precise, and descriptive language to demarcate our common ground with the array of stakeholders in our mission. It captures the uniqueness of our members’ work.  We also wanted a name that would encompass members’ work with at-risk populations, thus the term “Spectrum”. Many of our members work with research samples and clinical populations traditionally denoted by the terms “Serious Mental Disorder” and “Serious Mental Illness”. This work addresses schizophrenia along with other diagnoses (mostly persistent depression and bipolar disorder) often associated with disability.  We hope that we have arrived at a name that is readily searchable in the Internet Age, and, most of all, is welcoming to all who are interested in our work. Welcome to PASS-SIG, the Psychosis and Schizophrenia Spectrum Special Interest Group of the Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies!

Our Programs:

1. Convention:  The annual ABCT Convention, usually held in November, is the culmination of the PASS-SIG’s  activities for the year:

• Member collaborations are prominent among the research symposia, panel discussions, and workshops on serious mental disorders at the convention. 
• ABCT's SIG Exposition (Poster Session): Current and recent students are invited to submit posters for this event to be considered for the PASS-SIG’s Student Research Award. 
• SIG meeting: Annual meeting of SIG members
• Opportunities for networking
• Presentation of Student Research Award
• Presentation of Trailblazer Award to a mental health scientist-practitioner who has made a pioneering impact on the understanding and treatment of persons with serious mental disorders, including a talk by recipient (or other presentation by leading researcher in a year when there is no award).

     2. Year-round Opportunities for Networking, Collaboration, and Information Sharing:

• This website: News and events (including training opportunities) related to serious mental disorders posted
• Facebook Page ( Schizophrenia@ABCT): Social networking with members
• Google Groups Listserv: Send messages to large swath of PASS-SIG members to network, share your news, and (with pre-approval) publicize your events.