FIRST  EPISODE  PSYCHOSIS  SERVICES

When your child experiences their first episode of psychosis, it can feel overwhelming and confusing. Our program is here to guide both your child and your family through this crucial time. We focus on helping your child set personal goals and find the support they need to feel better and get back on track—whether that means returning to school, work, home life, or simply feeling more stable day-to-day.

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You’ll work with a team of mental health professionals who partner with you, your child, doctors, teachers, and other important people in their life. Together, we’ll help you understand what’s happening and make it easier to access the right resources for recovery.

 

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How Long Does It Last?

This program typically lasts about two years, but it’s flexible. Your child can join when they’re ready and stay as long as it feels helpful. It’s completely voluntary, and they can leave at any time. Most people stay around two years, but if your child needs more time and still meets the age requirements, they’re welcome to continue.

 

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What We Offer – In Detail

Our program includes six core services. Families can choose the options that best fit their child’s needs. While participation in all services is not required, we ask that clients engage in at least two components regularly.

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• Psychiatric Prescriber: Licensed providers who prescribe and manage medications to help stabilize symptoms and improve quality of life. Medication is optional.

• Individual Resiliency Therapy: One-on-one sessions focused on processing experiences and building coping skills through evidence-based practices. We create a comfortable environment with calming activities and tools to help your child feel at ease.

• Family Therapy: Sessions designed to help parents and caregivers understand psychosis and learn how to best support their child. Improves communication, resolves conflicts, and strengthens relationships.

• Case Management: Support for building life skills, achieving goals, and becoming self-sufficient—whether that involves housing, education, training, or employment.

• Peer Support: A specialist with lived experience who inspires hope and helps participants feel understood. Meetings can occur on campus, in the community, or at home.

• Group Therapy: Opportunities to connect with others, build skills, and receive emotional support in a safe environment.

 

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Referral & Next Steps:

• Once we receive a referral, we will call the potential client to explain the program and answer any questions. We will also ask the client to sign Releases of Information (ROIs) for past providers so that we can request records.

• If the potential client has commercial insurance, the primary insurance holder will receive a secure email with the Good Faith Estimate (GFE, an explanation of out-of-pocket expenses) and a link to the Financial Agreement.

• After we receive this information, we will schedule a 2 hour in-person assessment to determine their eligibility for the program.

• At the end of that assessment, if they are eligible, they will be scheduled for most appointments the following week (individual, group or family therapy; case management, and peer support).

  • Psychiatry appointments can be scheduled but may not have an opening for 4 weeks. We cannot refill or provide any medications until they meet with our psychiatry team for a separate intake appointment. It is strongly recommended that families connect clients with their PCP for medication refills.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is medication required?

  • No, medication is optional.

• Can my child join just for medication management?

  • No, this is a multidisciplinary team, and participants should have a willingness to engage in at least two components.

• How long are the sessions?

  • Individual/Family Therapy: 50 minutes

  • Case Management/Peer Services: depends on what the session is covering

  • Group Therapy: 1–1.5 hours

  • Psychiatry: Depends on type of appointment

    • Intake – 90 mins to 2hrs

    • Other – 30-60 mins

• Do sessions have to be in person?

  • In person sessions are strongly encouraged and preferred. We see better outcomes and engagement when meeting face to face. This is also beneficial for our team to get a sense of the client’s demeanor, observe any changes, and build a better rapport with the client.

  • Peers and Case Managers have more flexibility and are able to meet clients in the community.

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We Accept the Following Insurance:

• First Choice, Premera, Regence, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, LifeWise, Optum United Behavioral Health, United Healthcare Community Plan of Washington, and all Medicaid MCOs: Molina, United Health Care, Wellpoint, Community Health Plan of Washington, and Coordinated Care.