Support for young people experiencing psychosis
The Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service provide specialist personal care to young people who are at risk of, or experiencing, their first episode of psychosis.
If you’re between the ages of 14 and 35 and are at risk of – or experiencing – psychosis, we’ll support you with a forward-thinking personal care package that challenges the stigma and misconceptions of mental health.
We believe that psychosis shouldn’t stop you from living a worthwhile, productive and happy life. We aim to prevent psychosis from stopping you living. We’ll get you back on your feet and on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
You’ll be allocated a care coordinator who will design a care plan with you and, if you agree, your family. We’ll actively listen to you, working collaboratively alongside you to empower you to stay connected, optimistic, build your identity and live a meaningful life.
There are two care pathways within EIP:
- The traditional First Episode of Psychosis (FEP) pathway is a three-year period of care targeted at helping you recover from psychosis and lead a productive and happy life.
- The At Risk Mental State (ARMS) pathway is a six to 18-month period of care aimed at helping you avoid developing psychosis. Please note, this pathway only covers people between the ages of 18 and 30.
Regardless of which pathway is most suited for you, we’ll work holistically with you and your family, supporting you across all aspects of your life.
We offer a number of therapies and support, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Family interventions
- Carer education and support
- Employment and education support
- Medication and physical health screening
- Wellbeing groups
How can I access the Early Intervention in Psychosis service?
You can contact the Early Intervention in Psychosis team directly for an informal chat on the telephone. We will be able to discuss your issues – whether it’s a potential referral, passing on advice or signposting you to a more suitable service.
Call us on (01472) 583000 or you can ask your GP to do this on your behalf if you prefer. A referral coordinator is available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Any urgent referrals should go through the Single Point of Access by calling (01472) 256256 and select option 3.
We aim to see any new referrals within two weeks. We complete a specialist assessment called the Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental State (CAARMS) to determine how we can help.
If you’d like to have an informal chat about the services that the Early Intervention in Psychosis team offer, you can send an email to NAV.EITreferrals@nhs.net.
If you’re in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, call the Single Point of Access on (01472) 256256 and select option 3. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 free from a landline or mobile phone.