We challenge the status quo
ISPS-US’s mission is to promote psychological and social approaches to states of mind often called “psychosis,” which often means challenging the biological-reductionistic status quo of mental health care as normal. ISPS-US aims to effect systemic change, within arenas such as the mental health system, education system, media, and systems influencing public policy. Our Advocacy Committee works in partnership with our Executive Committee to advance ISPS-US’s advocacy efforts and engage our passionate membership in collective action.
Learn more about ISPS-US Values and Principles.
Advocacy News
ISPS-US has written a letter to New York legislators to reject proposed expansions of involuntary commitment in the state budget. Research shows forced treatment leads to poor outcomes, including increased mortality and crisis-driven care. Instead, we’re calling for investment in voluntary, community-based supports like Housing First, peer support, therapy, and mental health first responder teams — evidence-based approaches that promote dignity and long-term recovery.
The recent New York Times article, Leading a Movement Away From Psychiatric Medication, highlights Laura Delano’s journey in stepping away from psychiatric treatment and advocating for greater autonomy in mental health care. While the article sheds light on important conversations about the harms of over-reliance and over-use of medication, it also includes a troubling and misleading claim: “for people with the most disabling mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, medication remains the only evidence-based treatment.”
This statement is egregiously false.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidance outlining a global framework for rights-based, person-centered, and recovery-oriented mental health systems, titled Guidance on mental health policy and strategic action plans. ISPS-US welcomes this much-needed publication, which closely aligns with our vision for humane, socially informed, and equitable approaches to psychosis and mental health care.
The national mental health and substance use recovery movement has long been rooted in the principles of disability rights, social justice, and recovery for all, working to ensure that people with mental health, substance use, and trauma-related challenges have access to the services, support, and dignity they want and deserve. Today, needed care and services are in serious jeopardy!
ISPS (the International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis) wants to alert the world to the dangerous evolution of allowing euthanasia or assisted suicide for unbearable mental suffering caused by psychiatric conditions. This raises complex medical, ethical, and societal/political questions that cannot be considered in isolation.
Interested in taking part in our advocacy efforts? If you’re not already a member, join ISPS-US.
