Outpatient Research Program

The provision of high quality clinical care services is one of the three Outpatient Research Program (ORP) missions. The ORP-Clinic provides care to approximately 100 people between the ages of 18 and 65. Referrals are accepted for people between the ages of 18 and 45 who have a history of psychosis and are initially screened by the Intake Coordinator. The person will then start an approximate two month evaluation by a licensed clinical social worker and clinic psychiatrist to clarify the diagnosis and to 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, the person must understand that participation in research protocols is expected of them during their clinic stay. This level of competency is required, when the Consent for is signed. Providing consent for a specific research protocol does not begin until the staff has an understanding of the person’s symptoms, behaviors, and life circumstances. For persons who are not interested in ORP-Clinic admission, diagnostic consultation is provided as a service to the community. Alternatively, persons who are interested in research participation only, without clinical services, may complete the initial evaluation but not enter into ongoing treatment in the ORP-Clinic.

The ORP-Clinic is comprised of experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and pharmacist who work together as a multidisciplinary team. Care is person centered, however the standard treatment is weekly group therapy and medication management. Other ancillary psychosocial treatments are offered at regular intervals, including psychoeducation, social skills therapy and expressive therapy. The goal is to improve social and occupational functioning, reduce symptoms, increase autonomy, and prevent hospitalization. The ultimate aim of treatment is to help each patient attain an optimal level of functioning at home and in the community.

Fees are not collected for clinical care, as clinical services are funded through University of Maryland, State and federal grants. The ORP-Clinic is licensed by the state of Maryland as an Outpatient Mental Health Program (OMHP) and follows the procedures outlined in the Outpatient Program Policy and Procedure Manual which meet DHMH/ MHA regulations. Since, 2017 the ORP-Clinic has held CARF International accreditation (www.carf.org) which demonstrates the program’s quality, transparency, and commitment to the satisfaction of the persons served.

Further information about the ORP-Clinic can be answered by Dr. Robert Buchanan or Dr. Elaine Weiner.

For Intake information contact Christine Brown at 410-402-7878 or email at cbbrown@som.umaryland.edu.