News

Laura Yoviene Sykes, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of the STEP Learning Collaborative, spoke to WTNH-TV about delusional thinking: how to recognize it, and how loved ones can help.

Walter (Stan) Mathis, MD, associate professor of psychiatry, has been appointed director of the Yale Fellowship in Public Psychiatry effective July 1.

A new study from the STEP Program in Connecticut found that cannabis use became more severe among individuals entering care for first-episode psychosis after legalization, with increases in daily and solitary use. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring, education, and prevention, especially for adolescents and those at risk for psychosis.

From clinicians coordinating care to families searching for answers, this first-person reflection from one of STEP’s Early Detection and Assessment Coordinator offers a rare look at what it means to be the voice on the other side of the phone, and why timely, compassionate access to early psychosis care matters.

Vinod Srihari, MD, professor of psychiatry, is guest editor for a special issue of the journal Schizophrenia Research. The issue includes contributions led by Yale affiliates Laura Yoviene Sykes, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry; Walter S. Mathis, MD, associate professor of psychiatry; and Sumeyra Tayfur, PhD, postdoctoral associate.

2025 marked a major year of growth, collaboration, and measurable progress for the STEP Learning Collaborative (STEP LC), Connecticut’s statewide learning health system for early psychosis. As we reflect on the second year of implementation since launching in February 2024, we see both expanding reach and deepening engagement across clinical, educational, community, and systems-level workstreams. In this post, we share key impacts from 2025, alongside broader program activities that shaped the continued development of a coordinated, statewide approach to early psychosis care in Connecticut.

Learn practical strategies for families to support young people during a first episode of psychosis. Tips for listening, validating, and communicating safely.

Leaders from across Connecticut gathered at the Legislative Office Building to spotlight the state’s groundbreaking work in expanding care for young people experiencing early psychosis. The forum, convened by Senator Saud Anwar, Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee, focused on the release of the first annual report from the STEP Learning Collaborative Connecticut’s statewide learning health system for recent-onset schizophrenia.

The Yale Department of Psychiatry honored 21 residents at the annual Yale Psychiatry Residency Program commencement ceremony June 17 at the New Haven Lawn Club.