UCLA Aftercare Research Program

17/06/2025

We're thrilled to announce that two of our undergraduates have just graduated! Courtney Machler and Cassidy Chiong, you did it! What's next for these rockstars?

30/04/2025

Check out UCLA Aftercare staff presenting at the Schizophrenia International Research Society annual meeting, March 2025 in Chicago, IL🧠🎉

Interested in learning more about these presentations? Check out our website to read the full abstracts! https://www.semel.ucla.edu/aftercare/news/schizophrenia-international-research-society-annual-meeting

Pictured:
- Dr. Joseph Ventura presenting on Prediction of Early Functional Recovery and Symptom Remission After a First Episode of Schizophrenia

- Dr. Kenneth Subotnik presenting on One-Year Psychotic Symptom Control Disparities Among Black, White, and Latino Recent-Onset Schizophrenia Patients in a Coordinated Specialty Care Program

- LeeAnn Akouri-Shan presenting on Mental Health Stigma Predicts Treatment Engagement in Youth with First-Episode Psychosis

- Dr. Keith Nuechterlein presenting on A Physical Exercise Program Significantly Boosts the Impact of Cognitive Training on Attention Deficits after a First Episode of Schizophrenia

04/02/2025

While medications and clinical treatments are important, we shouldn't overlook the powerful interventions we can practice at home! Today I would like to highlight the incredible cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise.

At the UCLA Aftercare Program, we often compare aerobic exercise to “Miracle-Gro” for the brain. It stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a key player in neuroplasticity and cognitive function. Regular exercise can enhance memory, learning, and overall brain health.

A simple walk, jog, or bike ride isn’t just good for your body—it’s a game-changer for your mind too!

At UCLA Aftercare, we help individuals integrate exercise and holistic strategies to support mental health and cognitive well-being. Whether you’re managing mental health challenges or looking to optimize brain function, movement might be the key to unlocking your potential.

Learn more about the science behind aerobic exercise and brain health:
https://www.semel.ucla.edu/aftercare/Tarzana Treatment Centers

When you join the Aftercare Research Program, you will be assigned one of the following psychologists - Dr. Yurika Sturdevant or Dr. Paige Bakman. Your psychologist will be your contact person at the Aftercare Research Program. She will help you coordinate your treatment program activities and devel...

22/01/2025

In light of the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles, we’re sharing essential resources to support those affected:

🏡 Housing/Shelter:

LA Dream Center Emergency Shelter: 2301 Bellevue Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Sepulveda Recreation Center: 8825 Kester Ave, Panorama City, CA 91402

📦Distribution Hubs:

Anderson Munger Family YMCA: 4301 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA
Koreatown YMCA: 433 Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
The Sidewalk Project LA: 768 Stanford Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood Food Coalition: 5939 Hollywood Blvd (Salvation Army Campus), Los Angeles, CA

🍽Food (Free Meals):

Hollywood: Bar Etoile, Bravo Toast
Venice: Florelli Pizza
DTLA: Danny’s Boys
Westwood: Danny’s Boys
Inglewood: Sunday Gravy
Studio City: Gokoku Vegetarian Ramen
Sawtelle/Melrose/Pasadena/Arts District: Taste Ramen
Historic Filipino Town: Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
Alhambra: Yang’s Kitchen
Culver City: Harold’s Chicken
West Hollywood & Silverlake: Bravo Toast

💚Mental Health Support:

Disaster Distress Hotline: (800) 985-5990
LA County Mental Health Hotline: (800) 854-7771
National Center for PTSD: ptsd.va.gov

At the UCLA Aftercare Program, our thoughts are with everyone affected by the LA wildfires as we return to life in Westwood. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay proactive.

02/01/2025

Happy New Year!🎉 UCLA Aftercare wishes you all a happy and healthy 2025. We are looking forward to all that this new year will bring✨

04/12/2024

Hey, don't forget...We're hiring! 👍 🎉 The UCLA Aftercare Research Program is seeking to hire a part-time faculty Assistant Research Psychologist. Interested in applying? Check out the job listing here for how to apply, or send us a message to learn more! 👏
https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09717

University of California, Los Angeles is hiring. Apply now!

24/10/2024

Early intervention (EI) after a first episode of psychosis can dramatically improve outcomes for teens and young adults. Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) reduces relapse rates by over 50% by offering a comprehensive approach involving medication, therapy, family support, and educational/vocational help. EI in schizophrenia offers benefits including:
Reduced Severity of Symptoms: Addressing psychosis in its early stages helps prevent the development of severe, long-term symptoms.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9077409/

Lower Relapse Rates: EI decreases the likelihood of relapses by establishing timely, consistent treatment plans.

Improved Long-term Outcomes: Patients who receive early care have better functional recovery, lower disability, and increased chances of remission.

Enhanced Quality of Life: By minimizing untreated psychosis, EI improves social, educational, and occupational outcomes.

Reduced Healthcare Costs: Early treatment reduces the need for long-term, intensive interventions, lowering overall care costs.

UCLA Aftercare's Treatment Plan emphasizes the critical role of early interventions in schizophrenia care. By addressing early psychotic symptoms and providing a range of therapeutic services (supportive therapy, family therapy, crisis intervention), the aim is to improve long-term outcomes. This focus on frequent follow-up and strong treatment alliances mirrors the evolving understanding that earlier, more comprehensive care can prevent chronicity and enhance the quality of life for those affected.

This invited commentary provides a conceptual history of modern early intervention services, briefly reviews the accomplishments of an international clinical and research community, and offers proposals for how such services might participate in the ...

16/10/2024

The UCLA Aftercare Research Program Presents: An Interview with Dr. Luana Turner

It’s with great admiration that we celebrate Dr. Luana Turner as she retires after more than 20 years of dedicated service as a clinical psychologist. Throughout her career, Dr. Turner has been a guiding force at the UCLA Aftercare Research Program, providing therapy, case management, and counseling to individuals recovering from a first episode of schizophrenia. Her work extended beyond patient care, as she was instrumental in training doctoral students and interns as a primary clinical supervisor, while also co-developing a practicum program. With a focus on multicultural community clinical psychology, Dr. Turner’s expertise in diversity and inclusivity has had a profound impact on the lives of many. She is also highly regarded for her specialization in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment and education (SEE), offering services to individuals and consulting with organizations implementing this model. Her compassionate, strength-based approach has left a lasting legacy. On behalf of everyone at UCLA Aftercare Research Program, we extend our deepest gratitude and wish her the very best in her retirement!💙✨👏

Click the link below to watch the interview!

Dr. Luana Turner is a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in providing therapy, case management, and counseling to individuals experiencing serious mental illness. Specifically here at the UCLA Aftercare Research Program treating individuals who have experienced a first episo...

14/10/2024

We're hiring! 🎉 The UCLA Aftercare Research Program is seeking to hire a part-time faculty Assistant Research Psychologist. Interested in applying? Click the link below for how to apply, or send us a message to learn more! 👏

https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09717

University of California, Los Angeles is hiring. Apply now!

10/10/2024

It's 💚💙 Mental health impacts us all and it's okay to put your mental health first. The UCLA Aftercare Research Program strives to raise awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination by providing a space for open dialogue, education, and support. Together, we can make schizophrenia a priority and break down barriers so that people living with schizophrenia can thrive.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline

24/09/2024

It is bittersweet that we announce the retirement of Drs. Luana Turner and Margaret Distler from the UCLA Aftercare Program. Dr. Turner served as a case manager, therapist, and clinical supervisor. Dr. Distler served as a psychiatrist and medical director. We will miss them greatly but wish them all the best in their future endeavors! 💙✨

Check out these photos from when staff and loved ones got together to celebrate these two incredible professionals (left: Dr. Turner, right: Dr. Distler)! 👏

It is bittersweet that we announce the retirement of Drs. Luana Turner and Margaret Distler from the UCLA Aftercare Program. Dr. Turner served as a case manager, therapist, and clinical supervisor. Dr. Distler served as a psychiatrist and medical director. We will miss them greatly but wish them all the best in their future endeavors! 💙✨

Check out these photos from when staff and loved ones got together to celebrate these two incredible professionals (left: Dr. Turner, right: Dr. Distler)! 👏

We would also like to formally welcome Dr. Dennis Dacarett-Galeano, MD, MPH and Dr. Paige Bakman, LMFT, PsyD to UCLA Aftercare! We are excited to have you join our team of clinicians and researchers. Please join us in welcoming Drs. Bakman and Galeano!

03/09/2024

As the school year begins, maintaining a consistent routine is more important than ever, especially for those living with schizophrenia. Routine is crucial for individuals with schizophrenia because it provides structure and predictability, which can help reduce stress. A consistent routine supports better management of daily tasks, enhances social interactions, and fosters a sense of stability, which can be particularly beneficial in managing symptoms. Regular routines can also improve medication adherence, sleep patterns, and overall functioning, making it easier for individuals to cope with the challenges of the disorder. Overall, routine acts as a therapeutic tool, promoting mental health and well-being.

At the UCLA Aftercare Program, our treatment plans emphasize the importance of routines to help our patients manage symptoms and stay on track, whether they're returning to school or navigating everyday life. We ensure that our patients are supported in maintaining routines that promote long-term well-being.
https://www.semel.ucla.edu/aftercare/contact-us

Emergency telephone contact with the Aftercare clinical staff for our participants is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling telephone no.(310) 206-3142. If it is after business hours, call (310) 825-6301 to ask that an Aftercare Research Program staff member be paged.