Early Psychosis Intervention Program

The Early Psychosis Intervention Program provides rapid, practical and comprehensive care for people aged 14 to 35 who are showing signs of psychosis. This integrated approach helps to manage and improve long-term well-being.

Why should you come to us?

You can consult us if you or a loved one notices:

  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others cannot perceive)
  • Unusual ideas or false beliefs
  • Paranoia
  • Disorganized speech or thoughts
  • Difficulty distinguishing reality from imagination
  • Marked social withdrawal or a significant decline in functioning at school or work.

The earlier psychosis is recognized, the greater the chances of recovery. Early intervention helps minimize the impact on personal, family, academic and professional life, and facilitates a quicker return to daily activities.

How do we support our patients?

Our program is based on a specialized, evidence-based and person-centred approach.

We offer:

  • A comprehensive and rapid assessment to confirm the diagnosis and guide care.
  • An interdisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, nurses and occupational therapists.
  • A personalized treatment plan, tailored to each person’s needs and goals.
  • Individualized medication management, where appropriate.
  • Resilience training to develop coping strategies.
  • Support for employment and education to encourage continuing or returning to study and work.
  • Education and support for families to better understand psychosis and learn how to support their loved ones.
  • Peer support, provided by people who have lived through the experience.

Our approach focuses on recovery, collaboration and shared decision-making with the individual and, if they wish, with their loved ones.

How to access our services?

Admissibility criteria

  • Age: 14 to 35 years
  • Presence of recent psychotic symptoms
  • Consent to be referred to the program

Certain conditions may apply depending on the diagnosis and treatment history.

Referral process

A referral can be made by a healthcare professional. The person being referred must be informed about the programme and consent to the assessment.

If you have any questions regarding eligibility or the process, please contact the team for further information.

About The Program

Once we receive a referral, our team conducts an initial screening to determine whether the program meets the individual’s needs.

Comprehensive assessment

The assessment includes:

  • Detailed discussion of symptoms and their progression
  • Risk assessment and psychiatric examination
  • Analysis of personal, family, social and cultural factors
  • Assessment of academic, occupational and social functioning
  • Where relevant, additional information from the individual’s support network

The individual is involved in the decision-making process from the outset, and the involvement of family and friends is encouraged.

Treatment and follow-up

If the person is eligible, an individualized treatment plan will be developed with them and their loved ones. Follow-ups are regular and tailored to changing needs.

Transition

Once the objectives have been achieved or the programme comes to an end, the team plans a transition to the appropriate services to ensure continuity of care.

The team

An interdisciplinary team including psychiatrists, nurses and occupational therapists.

Phone

1-844-304-1414

Fax

613-632-7450

Locations and hours

Hawkesbury and District General Hospital has three satellite centres to provide you with more specialist services closer to home.

Regional Mental Health and Addiction Centre

580 Spence Avenue, Hawkesbury, ON K6A 0B4

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 8.30 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday – 8.30 am to 8 pm
  • Except public holidays

Casselman Satellite Centre

710 Main Street, Casselman, ON K0A 1M0

  • Monday to Friday – 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
  • Except public holidays

Clarence-Rockland Satellite Centre

1905 Laurier Street, Rockland, ON K4K 0C6

  • By appointment only.

Referral form coming soon.