The First Episode Psychosis Pilot Program aims to provide young people, ages 15-25, with an early intervention and optimal outcomes.
The Department of Health and Human Services is offering the new pilot program to young adults who are newly-diagnosed with a psychotic disorder.
Sheri Dawson, director of the DHHS Division of Behavioral Health, says the model of care they are using is an evidence-based practice, called the coordinated specialty care model.
The program will include four different treatment professionals: a team leader, a practitioner with the ability to prescribe medication, a licensed clinician and a supported employment and education specialist.
Dawson says the program focuses on helping the whole family deal with the diagnosis.
"So there’s education about the actual illness, symptoms, what is helpful about medication and just really also the opportunity to help that parent with this very new diagnosis, knowing that there are other parents and families experiencing this challenge and really trying to support them as well.”
Dawson says the program was developed by On Track New York and is supported by the Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia Psychiatry.
Treatment is expected to last about two years on average but is based on individual needs.
For more information, the number is 402-552-7003.