According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 100,000 individuals in the United States experience first episode psychosis each year. Psychosis is a condition that affects the mind. People experiencing an episode of psychosis may experience delusions (false beliefs); hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear); incoherent or nonsensical speech and behavior inappropriate for the situation. Generally a first episode of psychosis will occur between the ages of 15 and 25.
Because the illness often first occurs during a young person’s transition into adulthood, psychosis can disrupt their vocational, academic and social development. Research has shown, however, that coordinated specialty care including low doses of medications, cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy, family education and support, and educational and vocational rehabilitation can improve clinical and functional outcomes of those experiencing a first episode of psychosis.
The North Dakota Behavioral Health Division entered into contract with Prairie St. John’s in Fargo to provide evidence-based First Episode Psychosis (FEP) treatment services to individuals between 15 and 25 years of age. Prairie St. John’s will implement the NAVIGATE program of coordinated specialty care. Treatment is provided by a team of mental health professionals who focus on helping people work toward personal goals and get their life back on track. More broadly, NAVIGATE helps clients navigate the road to recovery from an episode of psychosis, including getting back to functioning well at home, work, and in the social world. Treatment services of the NAVIGATE program include individualized medication treatment, family education, individual resiliency training, and supported employment and education.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health approximately 100,000 U.S. adolescents and young adults experience First Episode Psychosis every year. Prairie St. John’s can help adolescents and young adults get through the difficult time.
Prairie St. John’s provides a number of services for children, adolescents and adults facing mental health issues, substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders. For a confidential, no-cost assessment call 701-476-7200 anytime, day or night.