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No thanksPsychosis refers to a loss of contact with reality. The sooner someone seeks treatment for psychosis, the better the outcome.
Common symptoms that may be signs of psychosis:
A person must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for the Early Intervention program:
If a person does not meet the criteria for this program, we will attempt to provide information for other services that may be available.
Anyone can make a referral or inquiry for themselves or for a person they suspect is experiencing psychosis.
Step 1 - The Initial Telephone Call
An intake coordinator will answer calls Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. If you leave a message for a call back, all information is kept confidential.
The purpose of this call is to ensure that the person being referred meets the criteria for the Early Intervention program.
If making a referral for someone else, when possible it is a good idea for the person being referred to be aware of and/or involved in this initial conversation.
Step 2 - Evaluating the Referral
The initial information about the referral is evaluated by our team of health professionals (social worker, nurse, occupational therapist, concurrent disorder specialist, and psychiatrist).
Step 3 - Contacting the Referred Person
If the referral criteria is met, we will contact the individual within two weeks and arrange to meet with them to gain a better understanding of the person's situation, thought-process and to discuss options available through the Early Intervention program.
Step 4 - Initial Meeting
The individual can decide where the meeting takes place (at home, at our office, school, coffee shop) and whom they want to invite to the meeting (parents, teacher, school counsellor, friend).
Typically, two members from our team will attend this meeting.
After this meeting, the person who made the initial referral will be notified about the outcome (i.e. to continue with assessment/treatment, or to refer the person to a different mental health service).
Step 5 - Assessment
If the person meets the criteria and a decision is made to continue, an initial 90-minute assessment is arranged with our team's psychiatrist.
At this meeting, the person usually meets with the team psychiatrist first and then has the option of including family (parents/partners) or a significant supportive person for the second portion of the assessment.
At the end of the assessment, the psychiatrist gives feedback and recommendations for treatment and follow-up. A diagnosis is not usually given at the end of this appointment.
Step 6- Treatment
The individual and his/her family will be partnered with clinicians from the Early Intervention program for ongoing follow-up, education, and support.
Each individual's recovery plan looks different.
Psychosis can be treated, and many people make a good recovery, especially if they get help early.
For more information, call 905-688-2854, ext. 7262.