Our First-Episode Psychosis program is the largest program of its kind in the state of Minnesota. The program includes two of the only four NAVIGATE teams in the state. NAVIGATE is a coordinated specialty care program created with support from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Overview
Psychosis consists of disturbances in a person’s thoughts and perceptions that cause the sufferer to lose the ability to distinguish between what is real and what is not real. It is not an illness of its own – psychosis is a symptom that can occur in people with several types of mental illnesses, physical diseases, and substance abuse disorders.
A person experiencing psychosis may see or hear things that aren’t there (hallucinations) or have persistent, abnormal thoughts or beliefs. Individuals may feel they are in danger, or are being monitored or followed, all based on imaginary ideas (delusions). Thinking may become disrupted, disorganized, and illogical. Psychosis can cause great distress to the person suffering – and to the individual’s family and friends. Fortunately, psychosis is treatable.
Getting treatment at the first sign that a person is beginning to lose touch with reality – called first-episode psychosis or early psychosis – is crucial to achieving the best outcome.
Our approach
The M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center has long been a leader in providing exceptional care for people with psychosis. Our First-Episode Psychosis program helps individuals who have recently experienced the first onset of psychotic symptoms. We work with individuals and their families, helping them understand their illness and develop skills that can help them live healthier and happier lives.
Our services are based on the latest research and are specifically tailored to the unique needs of First-Episode Psychosis patients and families. Our team consists of social workers, nurses, psychologists, education and employment specialists, and physicians who are all dedicated to treating and understanding psychosis.
The First-Episode Psychosis program is the largest program of its kind in the state of Minnesota. The program includes two of the only four NAVIGATE teams in the state. NAVIGATE is a coordinated specialty care program created with support from the National Institute of Mental Health. It is a clinically proven treatment approach, focused on resiliency and recovery. M Health NAVIGATE is supported by funds provided from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.