Announcing the New
Schizophrenia Center of Excellence

A National Framework for Integrated Schizophrenia Care

The Schizophrenia Center of Excellence is S&PAA’s national initiative to define, accredit, and deliver quality, coordinated care across every stage of illness by establishing an ecosystem of connected care and treatment for schizophrenia and psychosis.

You can read the full press release outlining the vision and scope of this effort:

The Problem

Care Is Fragmented. Outcomes Don’t Have to Be.

Schizophrenia care in the United States is fragmented, inconsistent, and often limited to short-term, symptom-focused treatment. Proven models exist but they are not widely accessible, connected, or sustained over time.

Too many individuals and families are left navigating cycles of crisis and gaps in care, with outcomes shaped more by geography and access than by what works.

There is no national standard to define what quality care looks like or to ensure it is delivered consistently.

The Solution

A System-Level Solution

The  Schizophrenia Center of Excellence  establishes a national framework for integrated schizophrenia care bringing consistency, accountability, and coordination to a fragmented system. It defines what quality care looks like, accredits providers and programs that meet those standards, and aligns training, reimbursement, and delivery across settings.

It is not a single site. It is a connected system designed to ensure evidence-based care is delivered consistently, measured meaningfully, and sustained over time.

The Problem

Care Is Fragmented. Outcomes Don’t Have to Be.

Schizophrenia care in the United States is fragmented, inconsistent, and often limited to short-term, symptom-focused treatment. Proven models exist but they are not widely accessible, connected, or sustained over time.

Too many individuals and families are left navigating cycles of crisis and gaps in care, with outcomes shaped more by geography and access than by what works.

There is no national standard to define what quality care looks like or to ensure it is delivered consistently.

The Solution

A System-Level Solution

 The Center of Excellence for Schizophrenia    establishes a national framework for integrated schizophrenia care bringing consistency, accountability, and coordination to a fragmented system. It defines what quality care looks like, accredits providers and programs that meet those standards, and aligns training, reimbursement, and delivery across settings.

It is not a single site. It is a connected system designed to ensure evidence-based care is delivered consistently, measured meaningfully, and sustained over time.

What the Schizophrenia Center of Excellence Will Do

Establish a national accreditation and certification framework grounded in evidence and equity.

Define standards for integrated, person-centered care across the full course of illness

Align training, reimbursement, and system incentives to support consistent care

Connect hospitals, providers, and community supports into a coordinated network

Ensure care is not just available but quality, consistent, and lifelong

Launching the Steering Committee

On May 1, S&PAA has convened a national Steering Committee to guide the development of the Schizophrenia Center of Excellence.

This multidisciplinary group will bring together leaders across clinical care, research, policy, financing, community systems, and lived experience to define the framework, establish accreditation standards, and shape a five-year roadmap.

Their work will ensure the Center reflects real-world care, diverse perspectives, and the long-term goal of equitable, person-centered recovery.

What the Steering Committee Will Do

  • Define national standards for quality schizophrenia care
  • Develop a five-year strategic roadmap
  • Establish accreditation and certification criteria
  • Define outcome measures tied to quality and recovery
  • Guide implementation across the care ecosystem
  • Identify system gaps and opportunities for change
  • Serve as ambassadors across the field

Why This Matters Now

Schizophrenia affects millions of people in the United States yet remains one of the most underfunded and misunderstood areas of health care.

Even when early intervention is available, outcomes are not sustained without long-term, coordinated support.

Without clear standards and accreditation, quality care remains inconsistent and difficult to scale.

This is a system challenge and it requires a system solution.

A Connected Ecosystem of Care

The Schizophrenia Center of Excellence is designed to strengthen the full ecosystem of care from early detection to long-term support across clinical settings, community organizations, and families.

Through shared standards and accreditation, it creates a system where quality is visible, trusted, and reinforced across every point of care.

By linking these elements into one framework, we move from isolated efforts to a coordinated system that works.

Be Part of What Comes Next

We are building the foundation for a new integrated network of care one that connects, accredits, and sustains high-quality care across the system.

Our Partners

With continued support for the Schizophrenia Center of Excellence, we can build a more coordinated, evidence-based system of care that prioritizes compassionate, whole-life support for individuals living with schizophrenia and other psychosis spectrum disorders.

To learn more or explore how to support this initiative, please contact Anne DeGeorge at anne.pappas@sczaction.org