Understanding Psychosis in Young People:

What Educators, Clinicians & Families Need to Know

A Multi-disciplinary Panel featuring Dr. Christian Kohler, Clinical Director of Neurodevelopment & Psychosis, UPenn Perelman School of Medicine, experienced clinicians, a family caregiver and a young adult with lived experience.
Psychosis in young people. Schizophrenia

Join us via ZOOM

Friday, April 17, 2026; 10 am - Noon

Course Objectives

Early psychosis can be confusing and frightening for young people, families, and professionals. This multi-disciplinary panel will discuss how to recognize early signs, respond effectively, and support recovery in adolescents and young adults.

  • Describe common features of psychosis in adolescents and young adults, including early warning signs and positive and negative symptoms.

  • Identify key challenges faced by young adults experiencing psychosis and by the families, educators, and clinicians supporting them.

  • Explain evidence-informed and recovery-oriented approaches tincluding the role of early intervention, coordinated care, and collaborative supports.

  • Recognize responses and interventions that are helpful—and those that may be unhelpful or harmful—when working with individuals experiencing psychosis.

  • Apply insights from research, clinical practice, family experience, and lived experience to enhance collaborative, compassionate, and effective support across settings.

Panelists

Christian G. Kohler, MD

Clinical Director Neurodevelopment and Psychosis, Univ of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Christian Kohler, MD, is the co-director of HeadsUp. Dr. Kohler grew up in Austria and obtained a doctorate in medicine from Innsbruck University. He completed residencies in psychiatry at Wright State University and neurology at the University of Cincinnati, and subsequently a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kohler has been on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania since the late 1990's and he is currently professor of psychiatry and neurology. He has participated in research on emotional processing, brain related studies and novel treatments resulting in over 100 publications to date. Dr. Kohler has extensive experience in the treatment of severe mental illness and, in particular, of young persons living with recent onset of psychosis - a challenging and rewarding area to pursue improvement in clinical symptoms and functioning.

Panelist

Carole Speers, MA, LBS

Director of Mental Health Services & Programs at Child and Family Focus, Inc.

Carole Speers, MA, LBS leads the On My Way First Episode Psychosis programs across five counties in the greater Philadelphia region as the Director of Mental Health Services at Child & Family Focus. Passionate about community mental health, she is dedicated to leading a team that provides comprehensive, individualized care while helping to reduce the stigma associated with psychosis. With a Master's in Art Therapy from Drexel University and credentialed as a licensed behavior specialist, she brings clinical expertise, creativity, and a person-centered approach to her leadership. As co-lead of CFF's trauma-informed care committee, she champions equitable, compassionate care that honors the diverse experiences and strengths of every young person and family served.

Panelist

Maxwell Ethan Freed

Young Adult with Lived Experience

Max is 22 years old and has lived with schizophrenia since he was 17. He describes it as “the hardest time in my life; however, with the help of everyone in my life—including the On My Way Program and even myself—I made a full recovery.” He is currently enrolled at West Chester University as a junior working toward a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Panelist

Daniel J. Fisher, MA

Director of Training & Implementation Youth and Family Training Institute UPMC

Daniel Fisher is the Director of Training and Implementation at the Youth and Family Training Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Western Psychiatric Hospital. Specializing in first episode psychosis, Daniel created and led a multidisciplinary team and helped integrate system-of-care principles into the program’s approach to treatment and recovery. Daniel began his career as a family-based clinician and later served as a High Fidelity Wraparound Coach Supervisor, supporting teams in delivering strength-based, family-driven care. His areas of expertise include system-of-care implementation, Family Driven Teaming, and program evaluation. Daniel holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Panelist

Christine Lederer, MSW

Family and NAMI Member

Christine is the family member of a young adult who has experienced psychosis. Christine is a licensed social worker and former Director of Affiliate Relations for NAMI Keystone PA. She is passionate about strengthening support networks for individuals and families. She is currently the Adult Advocacy Coordinator for the Arc of Philadelphia.

Moderator

Andy Kind-Rubin, Ph.D.

Child Psychologist

Dr. Kind-Rubin is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist who has worked in the field of child and family mental health for over 30 years. Originally from New York, he earned his bachelors from Haverford College and masters and doctorate from the University of Virginia. Dr. Kind-Rubin has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, inpatient and partial hospital settings, schools, and private practice. He works as a CGRC Professional Development Educator to meet the various needs of professionals within the mental health field. Dr. Kind-Rubin is a certified trainer for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and has presented on Bullying and the Olweus model for school districts and communities throughout southeastern PA.

This course will benefit counselors, psychologists, social workers, educators, college staff, student support professionals, and others working with adolescents and young adults.

Enroll today