First Episode Psychosis/On My Way

What is First Episode Psychosis/On My Way (OMW)?

OMW is a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) approach to treating young adults who recently experienced their first episode of psychosis. OMW seeks to improve the quality of life of the individual by providing encouragement and support in guiding their own recovery, educating them about their psychosis, re-establishing and strengthening relationships, and re-integrating the young adult into their community.

Who is eligible?

OMW is based on other effective First Episode Psychosis (FEP) programs that are evidence-based. The target population is young adults between the ages of 15 and 30 who have experienced their first psychotic break in the last year and have a diagnosis on the psychosis spectrum, including but not limited to: schizophrenia or bipolar with psychotic features. Drug-induced psychosis is exclusionary and is assessed at intake. Appropriate resources and referrals will be given to those individuals excluded from the OMW program. OMW is primarily a community-based program with the exception of medication management. It is the mission of the program to meet the young adults where they are in order to provide the required services.

Who can make a referral?

Potential referral sources may consist of: high schools, colleges, psychiatric inpatient hospitals, mental health providers, crisis intervention specialists, residential treatment facilities, or self-referral. The team leader will determine eligibility using a number of pre-screening tools.

OMW team information

The OMW team is composed of the following:

  • Clinical Supervisor and Administrative Supervisor: Supervises the overall process by ensuring that all team members are working together towards the individual’s identified needs and goals and ensuring that program specific documentation is adhered to.
  • Team Lead: Works with referral sources to coordinate and complete the intake process for eligible participants, conducts weekly community outreach, and works with a limited number of participants to provide recovery-oriented counseling.
  • Psychiatrist/Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner: Provides low dose anti-psychotic medication management, monitors responses to the medication, and makes any changes related to feedback from the participant.
  • Recovery Oriented Counselor (ROC): A trained clinician that works with participants to identify aspirations, goals, and any barriers they see to their success. Works in tandem with other team members to provide psychosis specific psychoeducation to young adults and their families, both individually and in groups.
  • Supported Education and Employment Specialist (SEES): Provides support to the participants based on their identified needs and goals in the employment and education realms.
  • Case Manager (CM): Provides support to participants in areas that include, but are not limited to; housing, socializing, accessing government benefits, transportation, and other community resources.
  • Certified Peer Specialist (CPS): Provides support to the participants by sharing their story and providing hope that they can effectively live with their psychosis. The CPS encourages the participant to express their voice in the coordination of their recovery to ensure individualized care.

What services are provided?

The OMW team offers young adults an array of services including:

  • Low-dose medication management
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family psychoeducation and support
  • Case management
  • Supported education and employment
  • Peer support services

Service coordination is guided by the young adult’s right to choose.

How to obtain services

For more information, call (610) 650-7750.

About

Child and Family Focus is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. We provide a continuum of mental health and supportive services that enhance the quality of life and relational well-being of youth and their families. Through our commitment to serve with excellence, we endeavor to provide and advocate for effective growth and positive change through least-restrictive family and community based settings.
Resources