OVERVIEW

Comprehensive Assessment of at-Risk Mental States (CAARMS) – Practitioner Training 2027 is organized by Maudsley Learning (ML) and will be held from Jan 18 - 19, 2027.

Description:
CAARMS is the internationally recognised standard for assessing individuals at risk of developing psychosis. This programme combines two days of live teaching with an interactive eLearning course, enabling practitioners to implement effective screening within their services.

The course has been developed collaboratively by experts from Maudsley Learning, the Outreach and Support in South London (OASIS) team, and King's College London, and is delivered by experienced early intervention practitioners. Upon successful completion, participants will be accredited to administer the CAARMS assessment. A one-day CAARMS supervisor course is also available on request.

The course covers:

Prevention of psychosis: rationale and impact.
Detecting emerging psychosis: key psychopathology and stages.
Overview of psychometric tools (CAARMS, SIPS/SOPS and DSM-5, with a focus on CAARMS).
Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS): foundations and core concepts.
Core subgroups and clinical thresholds for psychosis.
Operational considerations for CAARMS within NHS settings.
Core psychometric rating principles and scales.
Complementary scales for affective and behavioural symptoms.
Clinical care principles for At-Risk Mental States (ARMS): screening, assessment, follow-up, crisis management and preventive interventions.
Context and limitations: assessing risk in people aged over 35 years and disorders beyond psychosis.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the rationale for the early detection and prevention of psychosis.
Recognise the clinical features and stages of emerging psychosis.
Apply the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS) within routine clinical pactice.
Demonstrate an understanding of the core psychometric principles and rating scales used in the CAARMS assessment.
Identify individuals at clinical high risk of psychosis using evidence-based assessment approaches.
Interpret assessment findings to support appropriate clinical decision-making and risk management.
Understand the role of CAARMS within wider NHS assessment pathways, including screening, follow-up and preventive interventions.
Apply best practice when assessing individuals presenting with emerging mental health difficulties in early intervention and related services.