The Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH) at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and the Missouri Behavioral Health Council partnered with federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funding to establish an Early Psychosis Care Center. The effort aims to help connect behavioral health providers and individuals affected by first episode of psychosis with necessary resources and support.
Psychosis typically begins in late teens, causing loss of contact with reality including hallucinations, suspiciousness toward others, and concentration difficulties. Studies show individuals commonly experience psychotic symptoms for more than a year before receiving treatment. Early identification and intervention shorten untreated psychosis duration and can lessen symptom severity. The goal is preventing future episodes and reducing disruptions like hospitalization, school or employment absences—helping individuals maintain routines and reach life goals.
JJ Gossrau, director of young adult services for the Department of Mental Health, noted: “There are quite a few early psychosis best practice centers set up across the United States, and that’s just happened in this past decade. It’s because of the national focus that this population has received, and it’s also not just limited to the United States. The UK and other European countries have also had a strong focus in this area, and it is because we know using evidence-based practices to support this population can make such a positive impact in their lives and for their families.”
Rachel Kryah, associate director at MIMH leading the project, stated: “We are bringing to the forefront the importance of early identification and intervention to reduce the impact of psychosis on affected individuals. We’re doing that through educational opportunities and outreach.” The team organizes free Psychosis 101 webinars with Stanford University speakers discussing the coordinated specialty care model—psychotherapy, family education, peer support, medications, and employment/education assistance. Two certified behavioral health organizations are establishing coordinated specialty care teams.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://blogs.umsl.edu/news/2023/09/28/mimh-early-psychosis-care/