Psychosis, First Episode

Psychosis consists of disturbances in a person’s thoughts and perceptions that cause the sufferer to lose the ability to distinguish between what is real and what is not real. It is not an illness of its own – psychosis is a symptom that can occur in people with several types of mental illnesses, physical diseases, and substance abuse disorders.

A person experiencing psychosis may see or hear things that aren’t there (hallucinations) or have persistent, abnormal thoughts or beliefs. Individuals may feel they are in danger or are being monitored or followed, all based on imaginary ideas (delusions). Thinking may become disrupted, disorganized, and illogical. Psychosis can cause great distress to the person suffering – and to the individual’s family and friends. Fortunately, psychosis is treatable.

Getting treatment at the first sign that a person is beginning to lose touch with reality – called first-episode psychosis or early psychosis – is crucial to achieving the best outcome.

What is psychosis?

Psychosis means being out of touch with reality. Symptoms of psychosis include abnormal perceptions, such as auditory or visual hallucinations, or unusual beliefs and behaviors. Individuals may feel they are in danger or are being monitored or followed, all based on imaginary ideas (delusions). Thinking may become disrupted, disorganized, and illogical. Psychosis is common, occurring in approximately 3 out of 100 people. These conditions can cause great distress to the individual and their family and friends. Fortunately, psychosis is treatable. The sooner an individual seeks treatment, the better the outcome.

Discover Our Difference

The University of Minnesota Medical Center has long been a leader in providing exceptional care for people with psychosis. Our First-Episode Psychosis program helps individuals who have recently experienced the first onset of psychotic symptoms. We work with individuals and their families, helping them understand their illness and develop skills that can help them live healthier and happier lives.

Our services are based on the latest research and are specifically tailored to the unique needs of First-Episode Psychosis patients and families. Our team consists of social workers, nurses, psychologists, education and employment specialists, and physicians who are all dedicated to treating and understanding psychosis.

The First-Episode Psychosis program is the largest program of its kind in the state of Minnesota. The program includes two of the only four NAVIGATE teams in the state. NAVIGATE is a coordinated specialty care program created with support from the National Institute of Mental Health. It is a clinically proven treatment approach, focused on resiliency and recovery. M Health NAVIGATE is supported by funds provided from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Our First Episode of Psychosis program helps individuals who have recently experienced the first onset of psychotic symptoms. It is broken down into the following three sub-programs of care:

NAVIGATE - A clinically proven treatment approach for psychosis that seeks to improve quality of life by helping individuals resume normal life activities, including school, work, and relationships. Learn more.

Adult Strengths Program - Assessment and outpatient services that offer interdisciplinary, team-based treatment for first-episode psychosis focusing on resiliency and recovery. Learn more.

Child and Adolescent Strengths Program (CASP) - Focused on the assessment and treatment of youth who may have a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Learn more.

Patients and their family members in these programs have access to the following treatment services:

Comprehensive assessment and recommendations: Assesses an individual's psychiatric and psychological presentation, obtains collateral information from family and community supports, and provides the individual and their support system with a comprehensive summary and treatment recommendations as part of an initial assessment or second opinion
Individualized medication evaluation and management: Helps to reduce symptoms and prevent relapses
Pharmacy support: On site professional to consult about medication questions
Individual therapy (counseling): Helps individuals learn about treatment options and new skills for coping with symptoms, all while focusing on resiliency and recovery
Supported employment and education: Assists individuals find, maintain, and/or resume work and school activities
Family education and therapy: Provides education on psychosis and its treatment, and helps family members to support their loves one's recovery goals
Case management: Assists with accessing additional community services such as housing, insurance, and food
Psycho-education and therapy groups: Offers a great way to connect with others with similar experiences in a supportive and respectful environment
- First Episode of Psychosis Young Adult Group - Meets weekly for open discussion of topics such as symptoms management, relationships, and transitions back to school or work for ages 18-35

First Episode of Psychosis Family Support and Psycho-education Group - Meets weekly for education and support around the topic of psychosis. Family group is FREE and open to the public

Exact treatment services vary by program. Talk with your provider for more information.