Psychosis refers to a loss of contact with reality. Psychosis can be treated, and many people make a good recovery, especially if they get help early.
Common symptoms of psychosis include:
Take a screening test to identify the symptoms of psychosis.
To qualify for the Early Psychosis Intervention service, a person must:
If a person doesn't meet the criteria for this service, we'll provide information for other services that are available.
Research shows that family involvement supports recovery. A free family education group is available to those who are supporting a family member in the Early Psychosis Intervention service. Family members can also seek support with our program even if their child won’t engage.
This group provides an opportunity to learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment of psychosis, as well as many other helpful ways to support your loved one through their recovery process.
The following people can make referrals:
An intake coordinator will answer calls Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 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 Psychosis Intervention service.
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.
The initial information about the referral is evaluated by our team of health professionals (social worker, nurse, occupational therapist, concurrent disorder specialist, and psychiatrist).
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 service.
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).
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.
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.
The individual and his / her family will be partnered with clinicians from the early intervention service for ongoing follow-up, education, and support.
A free family education group is available to family members who are supporting a loved one in the recovery process.
Each individual's recovery plan looks different.
The sooner someone seeks treatment for psychosis, the better the outcome.
For more information, call 905-688-2854 ext. 7262.