Psychosis, First Episode

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.

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: 

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