New Beginnings: Reimagining Psychosis Services & Systems in the US

ISPS-US 23rd Annual Conference | November 1-3, 2024 | University of Pittsburgh & Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA & Hybrid Online

Call for Proposals Now Open

Registration Opening Soon - Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know!

November 1st, 2024: Pre-conference event at the University of Pittsburgh
November 2nd-3rd, 2024: Full conference at Duquesne University, hybrid online


Decades following the peak of de-institutionalization in the United States, outcomes for those labeled with psychotic disorders remain unacceptably poor.  Long-term poverty, unemployment, criminalization and incarceration, housing precarity and coercive intervention remain more the norm than not for millions. These deeply entrenched and longstanding disparities also disproportionately affect those who face additional forms of marginalization and discrimination. Meanwhile, the utopian ideals of the recovery movement have not led to the ground-breaking change we had hoped. Public stigma against individuals labeled with schizophrenia has markedly worsened, and lived experience integration and leadership has stalled at all levels.

Despite these challenges, pockets of hope and inspiration are emerging and persevere. From community-driven grassroots  initiatives to research and academic endeavors, dedicated individuals are reshaping the landscape of mental health care, interrogating the cultural imaginary of how we understand, perceive, and respond to experiences labeled “psychosis.” By acknowledging and amplifying these voices of change, we can harness our shared energy and wisdom to foster a new era of collaboration and transformation in the field. 

This ISPS-US annual conference aims to generate substantive conversation about the current state of psychosis and inspire thoughtful conversations about future change.  Panels and presentations will feature leaders across the areas of activism/advocacy, research, policy, and clinical practice.

Abstract submissions are welcome from all, including: clinicians, researchers, advocates, people with lived experience and family members. You may choose to present in-person in Pittsburgh, PA, or virtually online. Please note we have more in-person spaces, and you are encouraged to join us in Pittsburgh for the full conference experience. More information about the submission process can be viewed here. 

See you in Pittsburgh!

2024 Conference Planning Committee

Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh (Conference Chair)
Marie Brown, PhD, ISPS-US President
Nancy Burke, PhD, ISPS-US Vice President
Leah Giorgini, MS, ISPS-US Executive Director
Kimberly K. Mathos, DO, MPH, University of Pittsburgh
Jeremy Northup, PsyD, Point Park University
Elizabeth Pienkos, PsyD, Duquesne University
Kristine Vliet, MEd, MBA, ISPS-US Operations Director

Call for Proposals Deadline: June 3rd, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can an in-person panel session include a virtual participant?

    Yes, in-person panel sessions can include virtual presenters. Please include this information in the proposal submission.

  • Can I edit my proposal after submission?

    Yes, please email conatct@isps-us.org with any edits.

  • Do I have to pay a registration fee if I am presenting?

    Yes, all accepted presenters must pay the registration fee, request a scholarship, or elect to volunteer at the conference. Scholarships are available at 100% registration discount for BIPOC (Rodney Waldron Scholarship) and 80% discount for people with low income (<200% of FPL). 2024 registration costs will be on a sliding scale from $90-300 in-person and $40-120 online. Volunteers committing at least 4 hours of work get in free. Scholarships are not guaranteed and must be requested early when registration opens.

  • Do I need to be an ISPS-US member to present or attend the conference?

    It is not necessary to be an ISPS-US member to join us as a presenter or attendee at our annual conference. However, we of course warmly invite you to join to be part of our community! Members receive 10% conference registration. Learn more at isps-us.org/membership/

  • When is the deadline for proposal submissions?

    The deadline for proposal submission is June 3rd.

  • When will I hear back about my proposal?

    We endeavor to get back to everyone by June 28th.

  • How are submissions chosen?

    Proposals are by the ISPS-US Conference Planning Committee using a rubric assessment. Proposals are then ranked based on reviewer ratings. Because there are usually more high-quality proposals than space available, additional screening is required to reduce the number of sessions and balance the overall program in terms of topics. It is unfortunate, but space limitations usually mean that some high-quality sessions are not accepted.

"I felt I gained clinical skills from the psychiatrists and therapists but perhaps more importantly from learning from the lived experience of presenters" - Conference Attendee, 2023