Psychologists engaging with people with psychosis in institutions: an interpretive phenomenological study

BackgroundThe number of psychologists working in state hospitals has declined while the needs of patients with psychosis have increased. Prior research has focused on institutional and patient experiences but has rarely explored the experiences of providers in this level of care.MethodsThis study analyzed and described the experiences of eight licensed psychologists in the United States at inpatient psychiatric facilities engaging with people with psychosis. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to address the research question: How do licensed clinical psychologists describe and understand their experiences working with patients with psychosis at inpatient psychiatric facilities?ResultsThe research identified four group experiential themes: (i) exposure to inpatient settings and patients with psychosis changed career trajectories; (ii) identification with and differentiation from patients; (iii) early experiences of extreme states in participants and others; (iv) a fundamental spiritual component orienting participants’ work.DiscussionInstitutional barriers to professional and clinical success persist via the lack of doctoral training and effective supervision with SMI. Therefore, this study recommends doctoral programs, the American Psychological Association, and licensure boards substantially improve their engagement with and support for students and psychologists in inpatient settings working with patients with psychosis.