Diagnostic Considerations in Early Psychosis

Emily Gagen, Ph.D. and Amanda Weber Ph.D.

In this presentation, we will explore diagnostic considerations in early psychosis, emphasizing the importance of applying a developmental and pediatric lens. This perspective is essential for accurately understanding the unique presentation of symptoms in adolescents and young adults and avoiding premature or inaccurate labeling. We will also highlight the critical role of differential diagnosis in providing thoughtful, individualized care—ensuring that diagnoses are not only accurate, but developmentally appropriate and responsive to the broader context of each young person’s life.

Emily Gagen, Ph.D. (she/her), is a licensed clinical psychologist at the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health. She is the director of the Massachusetts Psychosis Access and Triage Hub (M-PATH) and is also a member of the team at the CEDAR Clinic, where she conducts diagnostic evaluations, provides individual psychotherapy to CEDAR clients, and supervises trainees. 

Amanda M. Weber, Ph.D. (they/them), is a licensed counseling psychologist at the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health. They are the director of the CEDAR Clinic and also co-lead the Massachusetts Psychosis Prevention Partnership (M3P). Currently, they supervise trainees, conduct psychiatric evaluations for youths and young adults, and provide individual, group, and family therapy.

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