Evidence-Based Practices Highlighted at UMass Poster Session

    The Bridge of Central Mass presented a poster developed by Director of Clinical Services Stefanie Gregware, MA, LMHC and Director of CBT Services Andrea Wolloff, MA, LMHC at the Community Engagement and Research Symposium held at UMass Medical School held on March 3.  The poster highlighted methods The Bridge has used to overcome challenging barriers to community engagement for people with severe and persistent mental illness using Evidence-Based Practices.  The goal, according the poster, has been to target those symptoms that create the greatest barriers for people to return to fulfilling and productive lives following the onset of mental illness.  By using Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT), The Bridge has helped individuals to identify and achieve personal goals, integrate into the community and become less reliant on the mental health system.  Evidence-Based Practices used have included Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Illness Management and Recovery, Supported Employment and Education, Cognitive Restructuring for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Recovery Oriented Cognitive Therapy.