First-Episode Psychosis (Early Psychosis) Program

UC San Diego Health's early psychosis program is dedicated to getting young people and their families the help they need, as early as possible. 

With early intervention and treatment at our clinic, you may recover completely from a first psychotic episode or learn coping strategies for dealing with continuing or future psychotic symptoms. 

We offer assessments and treatment for adolescents and young adults with:

• Warning signs of psychosis
  
• Signs of early or first-episode psychosis
• Acute psychosis
  

Our treatment approach is evidence-based, adaptable and tailored to your needs and preferences.

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis refers to conditions that affect thinking. A person experiencing a psychotic episode usually loses contact with reality and may not know what is real or imaginary.

First-episode psychosis refers to a person who is experiencing their first psychotic episode. These first episodes often begin when a person is in their late teens to mid-twenties. This is why UC San Diego Health's early psychosis care program focuses on diagnosing and treating adolescents and young adults.

When to Get Help

Psychosis may occur in people with many types of serious mental health conditions, including: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder, among others.

If you’re seeing possible signs of psychosis in yourself or someone you love, we encourage you to seek help right away. 

Early diagnosis and intervention offer the best chance of recovery.

Warning Signs

Signs of Early or First-Episode Psychosis

Psychosis Specialists 

As a patient at UC San Diego Health, your care draws on the expertise of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and therapists. All have training and expertise in early psychosis. Together, they work to comprehensively diagnose, treat and manage your mental health condition.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

At your first visit, a psychiatrist or psychologist will do a comprehensive evaluation to understand your symptoms and diagnosis. 

Coordinated Specialty Care​

After you have been evaluated, your care team will develop a treatment plan that may include a combination of:

• Medication management – to reduce symptoms and get the best treatment relief at the lowest possible dose 
  
• Individual psychotherapy sessions – to learn about yourself, your condition and how to manage it and resume normal activities
• Group psychotherapy – for adolescent, adult and multi-family support, cognitive behavioral therapy, wellness education, and employment and college support
• Personalized intensive outpatient care – to address psychiatric and functional needs of people who require a higher level of care than regular clinic visits
  
• Peer-support services – to learn from and help others with psychosis 
  
• Referrals to UC San Diego Health inpatient care  – for patients who need the highest level of care
  
• Consultations and second opinion evaluations – to confirm a diagnosis or treatment approach with our specialists
• Recovery and follow-up care – for continued support, monitoring and assistance with lifestyle changes for long-term wellness

Throughout treatment, patients are empowered and educated about how to manage their condition and are involved in treatment planning and choices.

Family Involvement

If appropriate and desired, our patients' family members are encouraged to become involved in their loved one's recovery process. Family members may participate in family therapy sessions and group therapy sessions with other families to learn about psychosis, coping and communication skills, and how to better support their loved one.

• Resources for families dealing with early psychosis
  

Research to Improve Care

UC San Diego Health providers conduct original research to improve treatments for mental health conditions. To learn more about our research studies and how to participate in one, please call 619-543-7816 or visit UC San Diego CARE.