The Early Onset Psychosis Program (EOPP) is a specialized treatment program offering both outpatient treatment and a consultation service for people who are currently experiencing a psychotic episode or who have recently received a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder within the past two years.
Who We Serve
EOPP treats adolescents and young adults, ages 15 to 30, with a diagnosable psychotic condition.
Our patients are typically referred directly from hospitals but can also be referrals from current outpatient providers, self or family referred.
Recognizing the early signs of psychoses is important in order to get appropriate treatment as early as possible. Early symptoms of psychosis may include, but are not limited to:
- odd or bizarre behavior
- marked changes in emotion
- changes in thinking or speech
- preoccupation with a particular topic
- social withdrawal
- decrease in personal hygiene
Other, more obvious symptoms may include suspiciousness or paranoia, auditory or visual hallucinations, delusions or odd, irrational beliefs.
What We Do
The goal of EOPP is to provide individuals experiencing an initial psychotic episode with accurate diagnosis and treatment for their illness. Licensed clinicians and psychiatrists provide comprehensive and immediate treatment in order to stabilize and reduce psychotic symptoms. The health care team also focuses on reducing hospital stays, improving compliance with outpatient treatment, maintaining a structured daily routine and improving overall day-to-day functioning.
EOPP offers a variety of comprehensive services to meet the unique needs of our patients and their families.
- Medication management
- Skills training
- Education and family support
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Supported Employment and Education
- Substance abuse education and prevention
- Support groups
- Case management
- Peer Support
- Certified Family Partner
- COVID Education and support
- Research opportunities
Education for patients and family members is part of the foundation of our care model. We partner with families to ensure they understand person-specific symptoms and provide them with coping strategies. We teach family members to assist patients with their recovery by:
- Reinforcing the patient’s strengths, such as participating in treatment
- Monitoring medication compliance in the early phases of recovery
- Recognizing signs of relapse
- Communicating effectively with the treatment team
- Supporting independence
- Taking good care of themselves
EOPP participation is limited to three years. At that point, we will evaluate the need for continued treatment and can assist with a transition to appropriate care.
To find out how to enroll or for more information, please contact us at Early_Onset_Referrals@TheHarrisCenter.org