ISPS, the International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis, promotes dialogue and multidisciplinary interaction, enriching our knowledge of the psychological and experiential aspects of psychosis. David Feinsilver, M.D. launched the United States chapter of ISPS in 1998, aiming to join with other professionals and lay people to promote the humane, comprehensive, and in-depth treatment of [psychosis]. ISPS was initiated in 1956 by Drs. Gaetano Benedetti and Christian Mller to go beyond a biological-reductionistic orientation and to gain a psychoanalytic understanding of the complexity of psychosis. We have since broadened our understanding of psychosis.

ISPS-US welcomes all those interested in psychological and social approaches to psychosis: nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, arts therapists, occupational therapists, psychotherapists, academics, students, managers, and individuals with lived experience of psychosis, or unusual/extreme states. We additionally welcome family members, friends, and others who have been affected by such experiences. We believe it will take people with diverse perspectives working together to accomplish our mission, so please consider joining us!

ISPS International Website

ISPS-US Mission

• Promote the appropriate use of psychotherapy and psychosocial treatments for those suffering from psychosis.
• Support treatments that include individual, family, group and milieu approaches and treatment methods that are derived from psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral, systemic, psycho-educational, peer support and related approaches.
• Advance education, training and knowledge of mental health professionals in the psychological therapies and psychosocial interventions in the treatment and prevention of psychosis for the public benefit regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.
• Promote personal empowerment as a necessary part of recovery from psychosis.
• Promote research into individual, family, and group psychological therapies, preventive measures and other psychosocial programs for those with psychosis.

ISPS-US By-Laws

ISPS-US Sexual Harassment Policy