The Adult Strengths Program is highly influenced by the NAVIGATE program components to include a team of professionals working together to treat the patient and their family. The trajectory of care is to focus on their acute stabilization (acute phase) over a period of roughly six to 12 months with frequent clinic visits.
Overview
Once stable, we help transition the person to ongoing providers within our clinic or in the community for the recovery and maintenance phase of care. With this model, we are able to keep our waitlist time low for an initial comprehensive assessment. It is especially important to have a short waitlist to reduce the duration of untreated psychosis.
Our approach
The Adult Strengths Program serves those who are:
- 16-45 years old
- Diagnosed with psychosis
- Diagnosed with unspecified psychosis, schizophrenia disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, bipolar disorder with a first episode of psychosis or major depressive disorder with a first episode of psychosis
- Suspecting signs of psychosis (adult prodrome)
- Experiencing a first episode of psychosis within the last 5 years
Conditions Treated:
- Schizophreniform
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder, depressed type
- Schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type
- Psychosis, not classified elsewhere
- Delusional disorder
- Bipolar disorder with psychotic features
- Major depressive disorder with psychotic feature
Conditions treated when present alongside psychosis:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Substance abuse
- Brain injury
Consultation Service
For community providers questioning psychosis and/or wanting a second opinion or consult on how to continue care: Our team will complete a comprehensive assessment and coordinate recommendations with current providers for ongoing care.
For persons or family who want a second opinion on a psychosis diagnosis: Our team will complete a comprehensive assessment providing diagnostic impressions and recommendations for ongoing care.
Comprehensive Assessment
Our comprehensive assessment typically takes place over three appointment days with various interdisciplinary team member for a diagnostic assessment, pharmacological medication evaluation, cognitive testing, psychiatric consultation, we end with a team meeting to discuss our findings and recommendations with the patient and their support system.
Treatments
Individualized medication evaluation and management
Medication helps to reduce symptoms and prevent a mental health relapse. Our prescribers use a shared decision-making approach when considering prescription medication.
Individual therapy
Therapy helps the individual to learn about recovery options, learn and practice new skills for coping with symptoms, and focus on resiliency and recovery. We assist in developing plans and goals and act as a resource to help individuals attain them.
Young Adult group
Young adults ages 18-30 who have experienced an episode of psychosis meet weekly for open discussion of topics such as symptom management, relationships and transitions back to school or work.
Family therapy and family psychoeducation and support group
Provides family education on psychosis and its treatment and helps family members support their loved one's recovery goals. We discuss topics including facts about psychosis and medication, coping with stress, relapse prevention planning, self-care and effective communication. Family therapy is an individualized approach to supporting the family unit with their loved one’s mental health.
Supported education and employment
Professionals assist individuals finding, maintaining and/or resuming work and school activities. We meet with people in the clinic to assess employment and educational goals, provide information about returning to school, coordinate with current school, assist with finding work and obtaining accommodations at school or on the job.
Care coordination
Professional assistance with additional community resources to address essential living needs like housing, insurance and food.
Pharmacy
Works directly with patients to help them understand their medications and achieve their physical, mental, and emotional healthcare goals. Collaborates with patients, their psychiatrists and other healthcare providers to optimize drug therapy and make sure medications are safe and effective.