Frequently Asked Questions

• How are the CBTp sessions conducted? All CBTp sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. • How long is each CBTp session? Each session is typically 45 minutes long. • What is the frequency of CBTp sessions? Clinicians and patients typically meet once per week. • What are the qualifications of the clinicians providing CBTp? All of our CBTp clinicians are licensed doctoral clinical psychologists (PhD or PsyD) who underwent extensive CBTp training and have an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT®) by the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT®; https://psypact.gov/).

• Do you provide pharmacological treatment? No - we do not prescribe medications. Our services center on cognitive and behavioral treatments. Our patients typically receive their psychiatric pharmacological treatment from psychiatrists (or other prescribers) in their locality. • Can l receive treatment at Vital Psychological Therapeutics and continue to be treated by my current psychiatrist? Yes.

• What topics are covered in the psychoeducation sessions? The sessions cover key risk and protective factor associated with the onset, exacerbation, and recovery from psychosis, with each session focusing on a particular topic (e.g., substance use, sleep, stress). • What is the cost of attending the psychoeducation sessions? All the psychoeducation sessions are free of charge. • How long is each psychoeducation session? Each session is about 45 minutes long. • What is the frequency of the psychoeducation sessions? The sessions are typically offered once a month. • Who should attend the psychoeducation sessions? The sessions are geared primarily toward the family and caregivers of patients.

• How long is each physical exercise session? Each session is 25 minutes long. • How are the physical exercise sessions conducted? All physical exercise sessions are conducted via telehealth with participants exercising at their homes. • Are the physical exercise sessions led by a trainer? Yes. All physical exercise sessions are led live by a certified exercise trainer. • How many participants join each physical exercise session? Typically, sessions will have a 3-6 participants, with a maximum of 8 participants per session. • What type of physical exercises are offered? We offer multiple types of exercise sessions including Yoga, Tai Chi, and aerobic exercise. • What is your approach to the physical exercises sessions? We recognize that some individuals may have limited aerobic/physical fitness. Our is approach to physical training is “start low and go slow” - participants can do as much or as little as they feel comfortable. They may also stop their participation in the session at any time for any reason. • Do I need a clearance from a physician to participate in the physical exercise sessions? For the aerobic exercise sessions, participates are required to provide a letter from their primary physician attesting that they are physically fit and able to engage in physical exercise. This requirement is recommended for the other types of exercise sessions. • What settings or equipment do I need have in order to participate in the physical exercise sessions? To minimize risk of injuries, participant need to have an indoor, unobstructed, air-conditioned space (approx. 8 feet long by 8 feet wide by 10 feet height) to exercise safely during the sessions. It is recommended that participants wear comfortable clothing and have easy access to water to hydrate during the sessions. • Are there any other prerequisites to participate in the physical exercise sessions? Yes. Participants need to provide the address they will exercise and a phone number of an available adult contact person in case of a medical emergency.

• How long is each training session? Each session is 45 minutes long. • How are the sessions conducted? All sessions are conducted via secured, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. • Are the sessions led by a clinician? Yes. All the sessions are led by a doctoral level clinical psychologist. • How many participants join each session? Typically, sessions will have participants from 3-6 participants, with a maximum of 8 per session.

• How long is each workshop session? Each session is 60 min long. • How are the sessions conducted? All sessions are conducted via secured, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. • Are the workshop sessions led by a clinician? Yes. All the sessions are led by a doctoral level clinical psychologist. • How many participants join each session? Typically, sessions will have 3-6 couples/families, with a maximum of 8 per session. • What topics are covered in each session? The workshop will focus on effective family communication skills including enhancing active listening, empathy and validation; expressing emotions constructively; conflict resolution; setting boundaries; and collaborative problem solving.