Psychosocial Treatments

Cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral skills training, supported employment, and

cognitive remediation interventions may help address the negative and cognitive
symptoms of schizophrenia. A combination of these therapies and antipsychotic
medication is common. Psychosocial treatments can be helpful for teaching and
improving coping skills to address the everyday challenges of schizophrenia. They can
help people pursue their life goals, such as attending school, working, or forming
relationships. Individuals who participate in regular psychosocial treatment are less
likely to relapse or be hospitalized. For more information on psychosocial treatments,
see the Psychotherapies webpage on the NIMH website.

Assertive Community Treatment

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is designed especially for individuals with
schizophrenia who are at risk for repeated hospitalizations or homelessness. The key
elements of ACT include a multidisciplinary team, including a medication prescriber, a
shared caseload among team members, direct service provision by team members, a
high frequency of patient contact, low patient to staff ratios, and outreach to patients in
the community. ACT reduces hospitalizations and homelessness among individuals with
schizophrenia. Check here for more information about ACT programs.

How can I help someone I know with schizophrenia?

Caring for and supporting a loved one with schizophrenia can be very challenging. It
can be difficult to know how to respond to someone who is experiencing psychosis.