Adult Mental Health Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode of Psychosis

Coordinated specialty care (CSC) is designed to meet the needs of people with early onset of psychosis. When a person first begins showing signs of psychosis, it’s important to identify the signs quickly and get help as soon as possible.

Psychosis is a symptom of mental illness. People experiencing psychosis may hallucinate or exhibit signs of paranoia, delusions, and disorganized thoughts and behaviors. For example, a person experiencing psychosis may:

  • Hear voices that only they can hear;
  • See something that only they can see;
  • Believe they have special powers;
  • Be suspicious of others; or
  • Have trouble thinking clearly or concentrating.

There are many possible causes of psychosis, including physical or mental illness, substance misuse, stress or trauma. Psychosis can affect any person, across all socioeconomic and ethnic groups. First episode psychosis describes the first occurrence of psychosis in people in their late teens to mid-twenties.

What Are the Benefits of CSC?

CSC services are provided via a team-based approach with the goal to empower the person’s ability to lead a self-directed life within the community. In Texas, CSC programs have a multidisciplinary team, which includes a psychiatrist, licensed therapist, family partner, peer partner, case manager, and supportive employment and education specialist. CSC has been shown to be more effective for the treatment of first episode psychosis (FEP) than usual care, resulting in better functioning, fewer symptoms, fewer relapses, and decrease in hospitalization.

Who Is Eligible for CSC Services?

People are eligible if they are ages 15 to 30 years and have a psychotic disorder diagnosed within the past two years. People seeking CSC services can contact their local mental health authority (LMHA) or local behavioral health authority (LBHA) to determine if there is a CSC provider in their area.

How Do I Get CSC Services?