Clinical Care

The provision of high quality clinical care services is one of the three Outpatient Research Program (ORP) missions. Patients are cared for in a clinical program that is personal and individualized.

The process begins with an approximate two-month, in-depth evaluation performed by a licensed clinical social worker and clinic psychiatrist to clarify diagnosis and assess decisional capacity. For admission, patients must have a schizophrenia or schizoaffective diagnosis and must be capable of understanding and appreciating the research nature of the clinic. As part of their appreciation, prospective patients must understand that participation in research protocols is expected of them during their clinic stay. It is this level of competency that is required of a patient when they sign the Consent for Treatment upon admission to the clinic.

The process of obtaining informed consent for a specific research protocol does not begin until the staff has an understanding of the patient's symptoms, behaviors and life circumstances. For patients who are not interested in ORP clinic admission, diagnostic consultation is provided as a service to the community. Fees are not collected for clinical services, as these are funded through University of Maryland, state and federal grants.

Learn more about our Clinical Program

Printer friendly Email this page