FIRST Episode Psychosis

FIRST Lucas & Wood Counties is an evidence based, specialized treatment program designed to address a psychotic illness when the symptoms first appear in order for a faster and more complete recovery to occur.

What is a psychotic Illness?

A psychotic illness is a mental illness where someone experiences some loss of contact with reality. Examples of a psychotic illness include schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. If you or someone you know is experiencing psychotic symptoms (examples include but are not limited to: speaking in a or thinking in a disorganized way, withdrawing from society, paranoid feelings), please seek professional help as soon as possible. With treatment, people with psychotic illness can and do get better. Early treatment is very important: Research suggests that the sooner treatment of a psychotic illness begins, the better the chances of a faster and more complete recovery.

FIRST is a specialized treatment program that helps individuals who are:

between 15-40 years of age;
diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder or other specified/unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder;
experiencing no more than 18 months of untreated psychosis;
recipients of not more than 18 months of prior cumulative treatment with antipsychotic medications;
willing to consent to treatment that includes, but is not limited to, counseling, psychiatric care, supported employment/education, family psychoeducation and case management.

The FIRST Lucas & Wood Counties team members work together to provide treatment, information and support to clients and their families and significant others. The program provides support and education for not only the client but for their family in order to improve recovery, set future goals and reduce chances of relapse.

FIRST Lucas & Wood Counties clients must also be willing to participate in at least two of the following treatment components: individual counseling, psychiatric care, supported employment/education, family psychoeducation and case management.

Individual Counseling: