Support for psychosis
Treatment for psychosis typically includes 1:1 therapy, peer support, support with meeting personal goals (including for school and/or work), and family education resources. Sometimes, medications may be carefully prescribed and monitored to aid full recovery.
Ideally, support for psychosis starts as early as possible. According to research, the earlier someone is able to get care, the better their health outcomes over time. In fact, early treatment programs for psychosis are now becoming more accessible in the U.S., with more than 300 programs nationwide. View our map to find one near you.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. The first goal in early psychosis treatment is to identify the mix of things that uniquely helps each person get back to the things that matter to them.
Still learning about psychosis? Learn about psychosis signs, causes, and risk factors.
What is coordinated specialty care?
Coordinated Speciality Care (CSC) is the term that has been adopted in the U.S. to describe comprehensive care programs designed specially for young people experiencing signs of psychosis. These programs typically focus on the earlier stages of developing psychosis, within 2 years of symptoms first emerging. Ages served range between 12 and 35.
Coordinated specialty care typically includes:
Counseling for the whole family
Help managing medication, where appropriate
Cognitive training to address challenges with memory or concentration
Integrated substance use treatment, as needed
Learn about different types of programs for psychosis support
There are a number of programs for psychosis, and sometimes they may have different focuses:
Programs that focus on helping young people recover after a first episode of psychosis are called coordinated speciality care programs.
Programs that offer treatment before a psychosis episode occurs, with the goal of preventing further progression, are called clinical high-risk programs. During the time before a psychosis episode, early symptoms of psychosis, including unusual thoughts and perceptions, begin emerging but do not severely impact an individual’s ability to manage their routine or participate in daily life. Sometimes, providers refer to this pre-period as “clinical high-risk syndrome for psychosis” or “the psychosis prodrome.”
There are also many programs now that serve individuals across the spectrum. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of psychosis, you can use the map below to get in touch with your local program and find the right support for you.
How effective is coordinated specialty care for psychosis?
Teen and young adult years - the time when we are forming our sense of self and preparing for greater independence - can be a particularly challenging time to face a potentially serious health condition. However, treatment in the early stages of psychosis has shown to have a profound impact on health outcomes.
Earlier intervention for psychosis is credited with reducing symptoms by more than half, as well as improving quality of life and interpersonal relationships, increasing involvement in work and school, and reducing hospitalizations.
Unfortunately, the inverse is also true. Research has shown that waiting longer periods of time to seek care after psychosis symptoms begin is associated with a lower rate of symptom improvement and quality of life, as well as increases in remission and suicide.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of psychosis, use the map below to get in touch with your local program and find the right support for you. If you’re not ready to reach out, that’s okay. Learn more about recovery and strategies you can use to cope.
Psychosis provider directory
Check the map below for a list of comprehensive care programs focused on early psychosis recovery, or download a list of programs.
If there is not a program near you, we recommend contacting the nearest one for provider recommendations in your local area. Your nearest university-based mental health clinic, research lab, or state mental health agency may also be helpful in recommending local providers. For early psychosis care outside of the U.S., check this international resource.
To add or update program information, please fill out our Early Psychosis Provider Form.
Resources for psychosis
Whether you're looking for yourself or for someone in your life, here are a few resources about psychosis to help you navigate.
Psychosis resources for teens and young adults
Think you might have psychosis? Check out this screening tool
How to Find the Right Mental Health Support For You: A Tip Sheet for Teens and Young Adults
Students With Psychosis support groups
Unhelpful thinking habits (check yourself)
Psychosis resources for families, friends & support networks
Psychosis REACH which offers training in Cognitive Behavioral Techniques for families