Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia Spectrum Program

Our Team

The MUHC EPSSP administrative team: 

Theodore Kolivakis, MD, FRCPC
Clinical Coordinator of the Schizophrenia Tertiary Services clinic at the McGill University Health Centre
Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University.
Co-director of the Neuromodulation Clinic (MUHC)

Marc Laporta. MD, CM, MSc, FRCPC 
Associate Psychiatrist at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)
Undergraduate Training Coordinator at the MUHC’s Department of Psychiatry
Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University
Director of the Montreal WHO-PAHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute.

Howard Margolese MD, CM, MSc, FRCPC 
Medical Director of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia Spectrum Program (EPSSP)
Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry of McGill University.
Director of the Clinical Psychopharmacology and Therapeutic Units’ consultation service.
Director of the PEPP-MUHC First Episode Psychosis program.
Program Director of the McGill RCPSC Clinical Pharmacology Residency Program.

Ronna Schwartz, M.A., OTR
Clinical Administrative Professional Coordinator the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia Spectrum Program (EPSSP).  
Occupational Therapist in the MUHC’s two Early Psychosis clinics (PEPP and EPIC)

The MUHC EPSSP is made up of several teams of professionals that include a team of psychiatrists, as well as:  

Nurses: With this vulnerable population, nurses often act in a case management role, using a holistic approach to coordinating patient care. This involves comprehensive assessments and interventions related to both physical and mental health. Nurses use a variety of tools and therapeutic approaches (such as cognitive) that are consistent with current best practices. Other nursing roles include: patient and family education; crisis intervention and prevention; and intensive case management.

Occupational Therapists: Occupational Therapy aims at minimizing psychosocial disability and helping individuals realize their rehabilitation goals. This involves support, education and skill development in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure. Assessments include standardized tools, interviews and observation to determine which areas need to be developed. This can include skills (interpersonal, cognitive and daily living) and environmental modifications (home, school or work). In the case of a psychotic illness, assessments and interventions frequently address: the impact of the illness on the person’s sense of self; and the impact of cognitive or social impairment on daily living, vocational and academic roles.

Social Workers: The social worker assumes a leadership role in ensuring that each patient receives the continuity of care to which he/she is entitled.  As such, the social worker also collaborates with community-based resources aimed at promoting the well-being of the individual and their family over the entire life cycle.