Early Psychosis Intervention
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.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of psychosis include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Paranoia
- Disorganized thoughts and speech
Take a screening test to identify the symptoms of psychosis.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Early Psychosis Intervention service, a person must:
- Be 14 to 35 years of age
- Suspect they're experiencing symptoms of psychosis, or have been diagnosed with a first episode of psychosis
- Never have been treated for psychosis or with an anti-psychotic medication for less than six months
If a person doesn't meet the criteria for this service, we'll provide information for other services that are available.
Family Education Group
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.
Referrals
The following people can make referrals:
- Self
- Family member or friend
- Community agency
- Health care professional
Make a Referral
- Online referral
- Download and fax referral
- Call 905-688-2854, ext. 7262
Referral Process - What to Expect
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Step 1 - First telephone call
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.
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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).
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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 service.
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Step 4 - First 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).
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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.
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.
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Step 6 - Treatment
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.
Contact
For more information, call 905-688-2854 ext. 7262.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
