Our vision is to intervene early, responsively and significantly using Early Intervention Psychosis (FREEDOM) principles to youth experiencing ‘First Episode Psychosis’ across the rural and urban MidCentral DHB region.
Contact eIMPACT:
8am – 4:30pm | 0800 264 977
After hours emergency | 0800 653 357
About us
For youth experiencing psychosis we can offer a two-year team approach as standard practice following assessment using internationally recognised psychosis assessment tools such as Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental State (CAARMS).
Other options include partnering with teams to add value to a young person’s journey through mental health and addictions services, a diagnostic service to assist in clarifying the best treatment approaches for (e.g. to identify or rule out psychosis), and recommendations for psychosis/youth interventions.
We are a team consisting of registered nurses, an occupational therapist and a social worker, with a part-time psychiatrist.
Who we are here for:
Individuals with suspected psychosis or confirmed first episode of psychosis; this is inclusive of mood disorder with psychotic features.
- Although our primary goal is to work with young people experiencing first-episode-psychosis, there is flexibility around this.
- On a case by case basis, consideration will be given to young people experiencing their second episode of psychosis or unstabilised psychosis where symptom recovery or effective treatment is yet to be achieved.
- Individuals 14 to 25 years of age at entry to service.
- We do not work with individuals presenting with substance-induced psychosis that self-resolves. (or those with a diagnosis of head injury or intellectual disability as their primary diagnosis).
What we can offer:
- An opportunity for the young person to explore an explanatory model of their psychosis, opportunities to make sense of their experience and master the tools of recovery.
- Techniques for lifestyle management of psychosis for both the young person and their family/whanau over key developmental stages.
- Where needed, alcohol and drug education, specifically in relation to psychosis.
- Specific education for family/whanau.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for psychosis.
- Consumer and family/whanau development of relapse prevention tools such as early warning signs and strategies of intervention.
- Optimal medication interventions to reduce side effects, improve the consumers experience and improve functioning.
FREEDOM Approach
- Family/whanau involvement
- Recovery approach
- Engagement
- Early detection and intervention
- Developmental focus
- Optimal interventions – offering tailor-made evidenced base practice
- Minimising trauma & disability.
Values we base the service on
- Available and responsive to the needs of young people.
- eIMPACT = Early Impact: Young perople and family/whanau having a good first experience with mental health & addiction services.
- Partnering with family/whanau networks to best assist the youth.
- Early intervention as FREEDOM approach
- For young people to gain mastery over symptoms and back to full functioning over their lifetime.
- Journeying with the young person in a holistic way.
Click here for more information about the service.