The Schizophrenia Recovery Clinic is located at the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) on the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Campus. The clinic provides outpatient services to individuals participating in research studies conducted by NYSPI and Columbia faculty investigators. The Recovery Clinic is part of the Lieber Center for Schizophrenia Research and Treatment, which includes inpatient and outpatient treatment sites that provide evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation services for patients suffering with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or new onset psychotic disorder.
Schizophrenia Recovery Clinic treatment services
Treatment services include: a full psychiatric evaluation; individual medication management visits with a clinic psychiatrist; and social skills and cognitive remediation group therapies. Patients and their families may also be eligible to participate in a multi-family educational support group. The clinic's ability to follow patients over time helps to develop a comprehensive knowledge base about schizophrenia. Patients are only responsible for the cost of their medications.
Criteria for admission
Only individuals willing to participate in research will be considered for admission to the Schizophrenia Recovery Clinic. The following general criteria are also required:
- 18-65 years of age
- No significant medical problems
- No recent history of significant violence or self-injurious behavior
- Ability to give informed consent for the research procedures
Research studies available through the Schizophrenia Recovery Clinic
The clinic supports a number of research studies designed to answer a questions about the nature and causes of schizophrenia and optimal treatment approaches. Research studies are not designed for the individual’s direct benefit. However, research findings that may have clinical significance for treatment are reported to the individual’s clinician. Current research initiatives include:
- Neuropsychological evaluation of cognitive functioning
- Studies of brain anatomy and chemistry using MRI, fMRI, MRS, and PET
- PET/MRI imaging of receptor occupancy with antipsychotic medications
- Electrophysiological evaluation of information processing
- The role of stress in schizophrenia
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for peristent symptoms
- New medications for enhancing cognitive function
- New antipsychotic medications
- Cognitive remediation in schizophrenia
- Treatments for refractory psychotic symptoms
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation for persistent symptoms
- The role of stigma in chronic psychiatric illnesses
To apply
Interested individuals should call Ms. Nicole Gaine at (212) 543-4239. Initial phone discussions will focus on gathering basic information and answering questions. Individuals meeting criteria will be invited for an on-site screening interview, to learn more about specific research studies and clinical components of the Schizophrenia Recovery Clinic.
For further information, please contact:
Nicole Gaine, BA
New York State Psychiatric Institute
1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 14
New York, NY 10032
Ph: 212-543-4239
Fax: 212-543-1350
Email: njg2121@columbia.edu
L. Fredrik Jarskog, MD
Chief of Clinical Therapeutics
Lieber Center for Schizophrenia Research and Treatment
New York State Psychiatric Institute
1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 42
New York, NY 10032
Ph: 212-543-6711
Fax: 212-543-1350
E-mail: lj2211@columbia.edu
Roberto Gil, MD
Neurobiological and Brain Imaging Research
New York State Psychiatric Institute
1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 2
New York, NY 10032
Ph: 212-543-6190
Fax: 212-543-5537
Email: gilrobe@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu