Ross Ellenhorn, founder and CEO of Ellenhorn, reflects on the recent “Residential and Community Treatment of Psychosis” Roundtable Retreat. This event gathered professionals passionate about viewing psychosis as a meaningful human experience. Ross highlights the retreat’s alignment with Ellenhorn’s mission and the impactful moments that made it a beacon of hope.
Why did you decide to plan and host this psychosis retreat?
I don’t know about you, but I’m still recovering from all the ways in which I’ve lost connections because of the pandemic. And, one of those connections in my professional life was with the programs in New England who think innovatively regarding working with psychosis. In many ways, New England is a sort of epicenter for innovation in this area, and innovation particularly in how to approach psychosis as a meaning-making event–humane and thoughtful approaches in other words.
What were the main objectives or goals for this event?
In some ways, this year–and I really hope we will keep doing this–was about getting the band back together, just spending time with like-minded people. And it was also about my concern that perhaps the pandemic slowed an important movement specifically because it broke up our bands. So, in other ways, I wanted to get the movement up and running again: this movement that doesn’t see psychosis as simply the symptoms of a disease.
How does this retreat align with Ellenhorn’s broader mission and vision?
That’s an easy one to answer: In all our work, we start with each individual as a meaning-making being, and someone who thrives when they feel they are valuable to the world, and wilts when they are told they are not, because they are broken. The conference was all about a level-playing-field approach to psychosis, an orientation away from a disease model to a human-being one.
What was a standout moment for you during the retreat?
The stand outs are pretty selfish to tell you the truth. I completely enjoyed spending time with the audience after my talk. They are super smart, super engaged, and eager to connect. So, in that, a little medicine for my own experiences of isolation in this world. And, speaking of isolation, there were people there who I haven’t seen for years, people I hold very dear to my heart. To be with them was a joy.
Can you share a particular story or experience from the retreat that was especially impactful or memorable?
We gave a demonstration of a method we use at Ellenhorn, called Open Dialogue, in which we used this process with three participants. I was completely blown away by their stories about themselves, and their sensitivity and fine-tuned introspection. Each was remarkable.
Were there any unexpected but positive outcomes from the retreat?
I spent a good amount of time with people from a program called Windhorse. They are an amazing place, with programs in Northampton Mass, Colorado and California. We had representatives at the event from both Massachusetts and Colorado. I didn’t know these individuals well or at all. But each carried the very same spirit of the old timers there, who I’ve known for years. That was really inspiring for me: the continuity of it. You don’t always see that in behavioral health: an excellent mission and vision that continued from one generation to the next. I think we do that really well at Ellenhorn, too, and I think Austin Riggs and Gould Farm also have that going on in force.
What message would you like to leave with those who couldn’t attend the retreat or are on the fence about attending next year?
If you couldn’t make it this year or are unsure about attending next year, I’d say: don’t miss out again. This retreat is more than just a gathering; it’s a chance to reconnect with a community that views psychosis through a compassionate, innovative lens. It’s about meeting people who see beyond the symptoms, who engage with psychosis as a meaningful human experience.
We’ve all felt the sting of disconnection recently, and this retreat is a powerful antidote to that isolation. It’s a space where you can be with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and reinvigorate the movement towards more humane, thoughtful approaches in mental health. Attending gives you the opportunity to be part of this evolving conversation and to contribute to a vibrant community that’s reshaping how we understand and support those experiencing psychosis.
So, if you’re on the fence, know that you’re welcome, and your presence could make a difference—not just for you, but for everyone involved.
