Sarah Whybark is a dedicated mental health professional committed to advancing access to innovative care in the field of behavioral health. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Concordia University-Portland and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Barry University. Currently, she is a Doctoral Candidate striving towards a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at the University of Kentucky. Within her doctoral studies, her research focuses on methods to expand access to coordinated specialty care programs for individuals experiencing first episode psychosis.
Sarah serves as a psychotherapist at Providence Behavioral Mental Health Urgent Care, where she works directly with clients to address acute mental health needs. Her work emphasizes compassionate care and evidence-based practices, reflecting her belief in the importance of timely, tailored interventions to support individuals on their mental health journeys.
Driven by her research interest in improving outcomes for those facing first episode psychosis, Sarah is exploring ways to bridge gaps in access to care through innovative program development and advocacy. Her commitment to this area stems from a passion for reducing barriers and improving long-term recovery for individuals and families navigating complex mental health challenges.
With her combination of academic expertise, clinical experience, and forward-thinking research, Sarah Whybark strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of her clients and the broader mental health field. She is dedicated to creating a future where comprehensive, coordinated care is accessible to all.
DSW Showcase Student Presentation
Sarah Whybark
MSW, LICSW, DSW Candidate
Expanding Access to Coordinated Specialty Care Programs for First Episode Psychosis
Concentration - Administrative Leadership
- Tuesday, April 29, 2025 -
- 10:30 am
Abstract
First episode psychosis is a serious mental health condition impacting millions of Americans yearly. Coordinated specialty care programs have been developed to provide comprehensive services for individuals experiencing first episode psychosis. Despite the efficacy of coordinated specialty care programs, access to these services remains limited. Access is limited by barriers such as funding, rural location, and limited availability of trained service providers.
This capstone aims to provide an overview of first episode psychosis, understanding of coordinated specialty care programs, highlight known barriers to accessing coordinated specialty care programs, and methods to reduce barriers and expand access to services.
This capstone will explore a systematic review of literature, conceptualization, and application aimed at reducing barriers to coordinated specialty care services for first-episode psychosis. With knowledge of existing barriers, a program development model was created.
This program development model aims to serve as a roadmap for organizations considering implementing a coordinated specialty care program into their service line. Directly targeting existing barriers, the program development model provides actionable steps for organizations to implement a coordinated specialty care program. The objective of this program development model is to ease the way for organizations to implement coordinated specialty care programs to increase access to these targeted services.