MISSION
The Schizophrenia Treatment and Evaluation Program (STEP) of UNC HOSPITALS and THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY offers comprehensive care for individuals with chronic mental illness, specifically those illnesses with psychotic features. With our specialized staff of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational and recreational therapists, we are able to provide treatment which considers all aspects of the individual's life. We offer both inpatient and outpatient care. At UNC we work closely with families and community support services in order to provide continuous, consistent and effective care.
PHILOSOPHY
At STEP, our primary focus is relapse prevention and improved quality of life. All patients are individually assessed by our multidisciplinary Treatment Team. The Team then develops a comprehensive treatment plan which addresses both the immediate needs of each patient as well as long-term treatment planning. We have developed a unique assortment of programs specifically for individuals with psychotic disorders. Medication non-compliance is the primary cause of relapse. Through our illness and medication classes, we provide patients with the information which will increase their likelihood of making good decisions regarding medication and symptom management. Through our dual disorders program we confront substance abuse problems, which exacerbate symptoms of mental illness and are often a significant factor in relapse. We also aim to assess and address other factors which compound the effects of mental illness or otherwise impair functioning, such as: deficit syndrome, cognitive disabilities, depression, and psychosocial stressors ranging from personal relationships to housing and finance. STEP's intensive inpatient unit, in conjunction with our outpatient clinic, combine to enable us to provide consistent and comprehensive ongoing care for each patient.
STEP web site designed & maintained by Lee James, UNC DRPC Graduate Student