Treatment Programs

There are a number of domestic and international programs that are designed to comprehensively address the needs of individuals either at high risk for (or experiencing a first episode of) psychosis. This section of the website highlights some of these programs, and provides links for obtaining additional information.

A Program Directory of Early Psychosis Intervention Programs was produced by the Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care and the EASA Center for Excellence in 2015, and it provides listings and contact information for program sites across the country doing work in the area of early intervention for psychosis (prodromal and first episode)

The International Early Psychosis Association (IEPA) website contains information on work that is happening globally on this topic. In addition to information for patients and families, there is a section on Early Psychosis Services that allows users to view lists of clinics within several countries across the globe. 

In 2015, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released an Inventory and Environmental Scan of Evidence Based Practices for Treating Persons in Early Stages of Serious Mental Disorders. This comprehensive informational resource includes: examples of coordinated care models focused on meeting the needs of persons with recent-onset illness; information on individual evidence based practices that are common components of such models; a compilation of additional resources for providers, policymakers, families, and consumers on this topic; and brief narrative profiles for 10 specific coordinated care programs.

Below are brief descriptions and links to a sampling of various EIP programs, prodromal and first-episode, national and international:

Sampling of Various EIP Programs

The Portland Identification and Early Referral (PIER) Model, designed for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25, provides community outreach, assessment, and treatment intended to identify severe mental illness in its early stages in order to improve long-term outcomes. Individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis, as well as persons in very early first episodes of psychosis are served via this model. Training is available.

The Recognition and Prevention (RAP) Program is dedicated to the early identification and treatment of adolescents and young adults who are considered to be at clinical high-risk for developing serious psychiatric illness as adults, especially psychotic disorders. It is located on the Zucker Hillside Hospital (ZHH) campus of the North Shore-LIJ Health System in Glen Oaks, NY, and was one of the RWJF-funded EDIPPP sites. Since the onset of the RAP program in 1998, over 500 young people have participated in both treatment and research components of the program.

Early Diagnosis and Preventive Treatment (EDAPT): A recovery-based program in northern California serving persons who are at clinical high risk, as well as those with a first episode of psychosis. The treatment approach provides for two years of services focusing on 1) reducing and managing symptoms and 2) improving individuals’ ability to achieve success in independent roles. Clinical assessment tools are used to evaluate each client to determine appropriate diagnosis in order to guide treatment.

FIRST Early Identification and Treatment of Psychosis Programs: FIRST Programs are comprehensive outpatient, team-based programs in Ohio aimed at improving the mental health and quality of life for individuals who have experienced a first episode of a psychotic illness by promoting early identification and providing best treatment practices as soon as possible. Length of treatment is three to five years, more as necessary (based on clients’ needs and preferences).

Recovery After Initial Schizophrenic Episode (RAISE) Connection Model: The RAISE Connection Program is a coordinated specialty care model (originally developed with support from NIMH) that serves persons age 15-35 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform delusional disorder, or psychosis not otherwise specified. The model targets individuals who have experienced psychotic symptoms for longer than one month, but less than two years. Length of treatment is two years.

OnTrackNY is an Evolution of the RAISE Connection Model. It is a multi-disciplinary, team-based program that provides individualized, recovery-focused treatment and support to young individuals who are experiencing early psychosis, and their families. Length of treatment is two years, but is flexible based on clients’ needs.

NAVIGATE, an evolution of the NIMH RAISE Early Treatment Program, is designed to provide early and effective treatment to individuals who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. NAVIGATE consists of both an individual treatment program and a family component. Families provide crucial social support and act as an ally in treatment. Length of treatment is two years, more as necessary.

The Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) is a team-based early intervention program serving young people in very early stages of psychosis. Based out of Oregon, the program provides specialized individual and family based services for up to two years.

The Prevention and Recovery in Early Psychosis (PREP) Model (California): PREP combines five practices to form a strengths-based treatment model for community settings to address early psychosis via early engagement, culturally competent assessments and diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment. Length of treatment is two years, more as necessary.

The Outreach and Support Intervention Services (OASIS) Program: A team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers use research-based, best-practice clinical skills to help mitigate the effects of early psychosis. There is no time limit on the program; however, persons who develop chronic, disabling psychosis are referred to other treatment programs. The program is based in North Carolina.

Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic (EPIC): EPIC is a specialized treatment program offering both outpatient treatment and a consultation service for people aged 14-24 who are currently experiencing a psychotic episode or who have recently received a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder. The program is operated by Johns Hopkins.

Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP)at Yale at Yale: STEP is a joint program between the Yale School of Medicine and the Connecticut Mental Health Center. It is a research-based clinic providing comprehensive treatment to individuals aged 16 to 35 in the early course of a psychotic illness.

The Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses (PEPP) is a community-focused mental health program in Calgary that provides assessment and comprehensive, phase-specific medical and psychosocial treatment for individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The program is structured around a modified assertive case management model. The intensity of the treatment is guided by the patient’s needs, the family’s needs, and the stage of illness. Length of treatment is two years.

Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC)is an integrated and comprehensive mental health service aimed at addressing the needs of people age 15-24 with emerging psychotic disorders (including bipolar and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders) in the western and northwestern regions of Melbourne, Australia. EPPIC aims to facilitate early identification and treatment of psychosis and therefore reduce the disruption to the young person’s functioning and psychosocial development.