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!