Family, Team, and Community: Dialogues for Change in Serious Mental Illness
The Center for the Treatment and Study of Neuropsychiatric Disorders at Silver Hill Hospital and family psychologist Michelle Sherman, PhD ABPP are hosting a two-day event in Norwalk, CT. Rather than a typical academic conference, this will include presentations and panels that then foster dialogue among all attendees. We are pleased to have a diverse group of participants, including health professionals, individuals and families with lived experience, legislators, community advocates, faith community leaders, and educators. The conference is being offered at no charge, and free CE credits will be provided (details below). This ‘think tank’ event will focus on an exploration of family and community support for those navigating Serious Mental Illness—both how far we have come and defining next steps.
Who Should Attend
Mental health clinicians (including Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, Therapists and Nurses), community advocates, and families interested in psychotic illnesses.
Session Information and Educational Objectives
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Supporting Families: We’ve Come a Long Way from the “Schizophrenogenic Mother” Days, But We’ve Got a Long Way to Go
6.50 Continuing Education Credits
8:30–9:00 AM Registration
9:00–9:30 AM Welcome
9:30–11:00 AM Session 1: The Family Experience: Giving and Receiving Support
Presenter: Lisa Dixon, MD, MPH
Group Discussion
As a result of participating in this session, you should be able to: Describe three programs designed to help support family members of individual experiencing SMI
11:00–11:15 AM Break
11:15 AM–12:45 PM Session 2: Family Support and Mental Health Recovery: What Meets the Moment
Presenter/Moderator: Shirley Glynn, PhD ABPP
Panel Discussion: Representing four models of family support/intervention
As a result of participating in this session, you should be able to: List at least three components of an SMI family care continuum
12:45–1:30 PM Lunch
1:30–2:45 PM Session 3: HIPAA and Beyond: Unraveling Regulations in the World of Serious Mental Illness
Presenter: Laura Brancato, JD
Group Discussion: Facilitated by Brad Richards, Collaborative Interventionist and Howard Sovronsky, LCSW, CT Behavioral Health Advocate
As a result of participating in this session, you should be able to: Discuss HIPAA and related regulations affecting individuals with serious mental illness
2:45–3:00 PM Break
3:00–4:00 PM Session 4: Holding Space: Exploration of Sibling and Offspring Issues in Serious Mental Illness
Presenters: Michelle Sherman, PhD ABPP and Elena Bassett, PhD
Panel: Let’s Listen to the Voice of Siblings
As a result of participating in this session, you should be able to: Describe the impacts of parental mental illness on offspring
4:00–4:45 PM Day One Summary and Action Steps
Friday, October 30, 2026
On the Ground: Continuity of Care and Community Integration for those with Serious Mental Illness
6.25 Continuing Education Credits
8:30–9:00 AM Registration
9:00–9:30 AM Welcome and Introduction
9:30–11:00 AM Session 1: Trieste, Italy and Bridgeport, Connecticut: Exploration of Community Collaboration
Presenters: Lisa Mann, PhD and Rocco Marotta, MD, PhD
Panel Discussion
As a result of participating in this session, you should be able to: Compare the elements of the Trieste model of mental healthcare to the delivery of mental healthcare in the United States.
11:00–1:15 AM Break
11:15 AM -12:45 PM Session 2: Empowering Individuals and Families to Move Beyond Diagnoses and Foster Community Integration
Presenter: Rocco Marotta, MD PhD
Moderator: Mindy Greiling, MA
Panel Discussion
As a result of participating in this session, you should be able to: Identify the kinds of services available to families and individuals with SMI and identify gaps in services
12:45–1:30 PM Lunch
1:30–2:45 PM Session 3: The Politics of Change and the Art of Compromise
Presenter: Brian Stettin, JD, Senior Advisor to former NYC Mayor Eric Adams on Severe Mental Illness
Panel Discussion moderated by Randye Kaye
As a result of participating in this session, you should be able to: Discuss the need to leverage involuntary treatment mechanisms and apply a common-sense definition of “danger to self or others” to help people with severe mental illness avoid homelessness and criminalization
2:45–3:00 PM Break
3:00–4:30 PM Session 4: Moving Forward: The Burden of Responsibility
Presenter: Rocco Marotta, MD, PhD
Panel Discussion moderated by Michelle Sherman, PhD ABPP
As a result of participating in this session, you should be able to: Describe how the formation of highly integrated teams including providers, families, community representatives, and patients can result in improved outcomes
Across the two days, panel members include representatives from:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC), National Shattering Silence Coalition (NSSC), National Federation of Families (NFF), Boston University Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program Bridge House (clubhouse model), Members of the Connecticut and Minnesota Legislature, Connecticut Behavioral Health Advocate, Family Members with Lived Experience, Advocates from Faith Communities; Higher Education, First Episode Programs, Lawyers specializing in SMI, Clinicians specializing in SMI.
Register
Family, Team, and Community: Dialogues for Change in Serious Mental Illness
For any questions, please contact Lisa, Mann, PhD, Program Director, Center for Treatment and Study of Neuropsychiatric Disorders at lmann@silverhillhospital.org.
Accreditation Statement:
Silver Hill Hospital is accredited by the Massachusetts Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Designation Statement:
Silver Hill Hospital designates this live activity for up to 12.75 PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
NASW/Connecticut Statement:
This program is pending approval from NASW-CT.
New York Social Worker Statement:
Silver Hill Hospital is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0728. This program is approved for 12.75 contact hours.
New York Psychologist Statement:
Silver Hill Hospital is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0227. This program is approved for 12.75 contact hours.