CPHSSWCE0394 - Before Stage 4- Early Intervention for Psychosis

Course Description

This course will provide attendees with a general understanding of what psychosis is, the main components of an Early Psychosis Service, and the current evidence base for providing early intervention in psychosis. The symptoms and course of psychosis will be described with emphasis on the importance of decreasing the duration of untreated psychosis. Attendees will review a brief history of how Early Psychosis Services were developed, the components of these services and the current status of their implementation in the United States. Attendees will leave with an understanding of the benefits associated with the effective use of

Early Psychosis Services as compared to traditional interventions. Lastly, the presentation will provide an overview of the PEACE (Psychosis Education, Assessment, Care, and Empowerment) Program, as an example of implementing and developing an Early Psychosis Service. PEACE is a program of Horizon House, a community based mental health organization serving Medicaid eligible, urban youth in the Philadelphia region.

Target Audience: Beginner

Course Outline

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Introductions

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM: Presentation on the evolution of early psychosis services globally, in the US, and in PA

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Show the “Before Stage Four” video

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Break

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM: Psychosis Simulation Job Application activity (in pairs with a brief discussion after)

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM: Discussion of Coordinated Specialty Care as an Evidenced Based Practice

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Presentation on PEACE, as an example of an FEP program in Philadelphia.

12:00 PM – 12:15 AM: Q&A

Learner Outcomes

At the end of this workshop attendees will be able to:

1. Describe the early symptoms and course of psychosis, including the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP).

2. Identify the main components of an Early Psychosis Service or Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) program.

3. Discuss the benefits of a Coordinated Specialty Care on the service - user level (clinical and functional) and the service/policy level (cost - effectiveness).

When attendees return to the workplace they will be able to:

1. Identify early signs and symptoms of psychosis

2. Identify the statewide resources for people experiencing their first episode in Pennsylvania.

3. Refer individuals and families to early intervention services in Philadelphia