Clinical Assessment Team Services

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Study Recruitment

Recruit participants living in the Northeastern Oklahoma region using a multi-pronged approach, including social media, digital, radio advertising, direct on-site facility recruitment, direct recruitment at the Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, and in-person activity-based recruitment. 

Psychiatric Assessment

​Masters-educated interviewers (licensed therapists or licensed social workers) complete diagnostic interviews to determine DSM-V diagnoses for each participant. Additionally, interviewers discuss current and past suicidal thinking and/or attempts of self-harm with each person. The team completes clinical interviews with adults and teens under the supervision of a board certified psychiatrist.

Medical Assessment

​The medical team (registered nurses and medical technicians) completes comprehensive interviews to determine the history of chronic, recent, and current medical conditions, and operates under physician supervision. In addition to completing standard medical assessments, the team collects biological samples including measurements of immune (C-Reactive Protein), and metabolic (hemoglobin A1c) function.

A History of Success

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LIBR's clinical assessment team has been under the direction of Tim Collins since 2013. The team manages and executes screening assessments and study visits integral to various LIBR research studies. The assessment team regularly conducts clinical interviews, clinical ratings, and blood collections, further contributing to the depth and richness of the research data. 

Over the past three years (2022-2023), the assessment team has achieved significant milestones, including: 

• Number of Potential Subjects Contacting LIBR: 11,205 
• Number of Screening Consents Signed: 3,489 
• Number of Blood Collections: 1,068 

This data underscores the team's commitment to engagement, precision, and efficiency in carrying out their responsibilities within the LIBR research framework. The assessment team continues to be a cornerstone in advancing the institute's research objectives and contributing valuable insights to the field. 

Research Support

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The assessment team prioritizes four key objectives: 

• Recruitment of Participants: The team employs a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to recruit participants residing in the Northeastern Oklahoma region. Utilizing channels such as social media, digital platforms, radio advertising, on-site facility recruitment, direct engagement at the Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, and in-person activity-based strategies, the team ensures a diverse and engaged pool of interested participants. 
• Clinical Assessment of Participants: The clinical team, consisting of three Masters-educated licensed interviewers (licensed therapists or licensed social workers), conducts diagnostic interviews following DSM-5 criteria to ascertain accurate diagnoses for each participant. In-depth discussions regarding current and past suicidal thoughts and self-harm attempts are facilitated, alongside comprehensive assessments of symptom severity. 
• Medical Assessment of Participants: The medical team, comprising three registered nurses and three medical research technicians, conducts thorough interviews to establish the medical history of participants. This includes an examination of chronic, recent, and current medical conditions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each participant's health status. 
• Completion of LIBR-Based Studies: The assessment team plays a pivotal role in supporting the research endeavors of Drs. Paulus, Guinjoan, Aupperle, Khalsa, Stewart, Savitz, Smith, and Tsuchiyagaito by successfully completing LIBR-based studies. This involves meticulous coordination and collaboration to meet the specific requirements of each investigator.