Diagnostic clarification
Clarify the likely cause of psychosis, recognize additional conditions, and guide appropriate treatment.
Why this matters
Expert second opinions for schizophrenia and psychosis
We provide diagnostic clarity and personalized treatment recommendations for people with psychotic disorders, at every stage of illness.
Referrals must be submitted by the patient’s treating psychiatric provider, who receives our recommendations and continues to manage ongoing care.
What we provide
How we can help
A one-time consultation tailored to the patient’s needs and the referring clinician’s questions.
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Assess persistent symptoms, possible treatment resistance, and whether clozapine or another approach may help.
Why this matters
Medication strategy & safety
Balance medication effectiveness, side effects, physical health, and the practical challenges of taking medication.
Why this matters
Children, adolescents & young adults
Developmentally informed assessment, age-appropriate treatment planning, and family involvement.
Why this matters
Family education & guidance
Understand psychosis, notice early changes, and communicate supportively—including when a loved one declines treatment.
Why this matters
Psychosocial treatment & resources
Recommendations on psychological treatments, community supports, and care pathways that fit the patient’s recovery goals.
Why this matters
How it works
Your consultation, step by step
The patient’s treating psychiatric provider manages ongoing care. Our team provides an in-person specialist consultation and recommendations.
- 1
Treating psychiatric provider
Psychiatric provider submits a referral
The prescribing psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner completes the online referral form.
- 2
MGH consultation team
Records reviewed; patient evaluated in person
The patient and family receive treatment recommendations and psychoeducation.
- 3
MGH consultation team
Recommendations return to the clinician
Clear, actionable, stage-appropriate recommendations are sent directly to the referring clinician.
- 4
Treating psychiatric provider
Recommendations are reviewed together
The treating clinician reviews the recommendations with the patient and incorporates them as clinically appropriate.
- 5
MGH consultation team
Another consultation is possible
Patients may return in 1–2 years. A new referral from the prescribing psychiatric provider is required.
By the numbers
A track record clinicians already trust
Findings from consultations between January 2017 and October 2023.
- 28%
- Of patients without a prior schizophrenia diagnosis received a new schizophrenia diagnosis after review
- 56%
- Of patients ultimately diagnosed with treatment resistance were identified only at consultation
- Ages 9–77 (mean age 29.1)
- 73% referred by psychiatrists or psychiatric NPs
- 72% lived in Massachusetts
Who refers to us
- Psychiatrists54%
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners19%
- Primary care & other physicians22%
- Other5%
Referring practice setting
- Community clinicians52%
- Academic medical centers25%
- Other sources23%
Our team
Meet our team
Specialists in schizophrenia and psychosis, with team participation tailored to each consultation.
Service leadership
Oliver Freudenreich, MD
Director, MGH Psychosis Consultation Service
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Schizophrenia, treatment resistance, clozapine, and medically complex care.
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Abigail Donovan, MD
Associate Director, MGH Psychosis Consultation Service
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Developmentally informed assessment and treatment planning for adolescents and adults with psychosis.
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Consultation service team
Clinical
Cori Cather, PhD
Director, Center of Excellence for Psychosocial & Systemic Research
Psychosocial treatment, medication adherence, and substance use.
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Clinical
Carol Lim, MD, MPH
Medical Director, MGH Clozapine Clinic
Diagnostic clarification and medication optimization.
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Clinical
Cheryl Foo, PhD
Director of Family Services
Family-centered care and evidence-based psychosocial services.
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Clinical
Sarah MacLaurin, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Systems navigation, care processes, and community resources.
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Clinical
John Tyson, MD
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Assessment and treatment guidance for children and young adults with psychosis.
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Program operations
Leah Namey, MPH
Program Manager
Program operations and quality improvement.
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Program operations
Marta Hernandez
Program Coordinator
Referrals and patient-care coordination.
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Development
Molly McCarthy
Senior Director of Development
Philanthropy and program development.
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Helpful information
Frequently asked questions
Answers about second-opinion consultations, options for families, insurance, and what happens after the visit.
Arranging a consultation
Options for patients and families
After the consultation
Questions or planning your visit?
For questions about the consultation service or referral process, call 617-643-1175.
In-person consultation location
151 Merrimac Street, 4th FloorBoston, MA 02114 (opens a map in a new tab)
In their words
Voices from patients, families, and providers
Reserved for feedback.
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Patient perspective
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