FIRST - Early Identification &
Treatment of Psychosis

People with schizophrenia often wait months—years even—before they get a diagnosis and start treatment. At that point, they often find themselves in the hospital—with more likelihood of relapsing. Getting a diagnosis sooner, rather than later, can greatly reduce hospital stays and relapse rates, and improve treatment outcomes. FIRST uses both professionals and family members, as defined by the client, as their recovery team members.

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WHAT IS PSYCHOTIC ILLNESS?

A psychotic illness is a mental illness where someone experiences some loss of contact with reality. Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are examples of psychotic illnesses. With treatment, people with psychotic illness can and do get better.

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Early treatment is very important:

Research suggests that the sooner treatment of a psychotic illness begins, the better the chances of a faster and more complete recovery. Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) is the Southwest Ohio region’s most comprehensive service provider for people with a serious mental illness. GCBHS is partnering with the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center of Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) to offer coordinated specialty care for the FIRST episode psychosis program.

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WHAT WE DO

FIRST provides coordinated specialty care for new onset psychosis by providing intensive, wraparound care to individuals who are experiencing psychotic symptoms for the first time.

• Provide support and education for the individual and their family.

• Improve their recovery.

• Reduce their chances of suffering a relapse.

• Help the individual set goals for the future.​

 

FIRST HELPS INDIVIDUALS

• Between the ages of 15 - 40

• Have had psychotic symptoms for no more than 18 months.

• Eligible diagnoses are: schizophrenia spectrum illness and mood

disorders with psychosis.

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