Early Psychosis Program Psychosis is a condition that affects the mind, resulting in some loss of contact with reality. The Early Psychosis Program provides treatment and support to clients (from 16 to 30 years of age) and their families who are coping with their first episode of psychotic illness. The goals of the program include early intervention, rehabilitation, prevention of occurring/reoccurring setbacks and reintegration before the illness has a significant impact. What is early psychosis program (EPP)? Our early psychosis program is aimed at helping people spot the signs of psychosis early so that the person can be supported and treated as soon as possible. Our clinicians and psychiatrist are specially trained and experienced in working with and treating late teens and young adults with psychosis, and their families. We aim to promote wellness, reduce socially isolating behavior, and restore previous levels of functioning for people suffering with psychosis. Who is the EPP program for? Anyone experiencing a first episode of psychosis or a suspected psychosis aged in the mid-teens to mid-thirties, with possible exceptions. Has a family history of psychosis and are experiencing a recent decline in their ability to function at school, work or home. Please note: even if the teenager or young adult experiencing signs of psychosis is using drugs, they can still get help from the EPP program. Our Team Psychiatrist Nurse Social Worker What we offer: Early intervention/assessment Relapse prevention Rehabilitation Psychoeducation Individualized care plan Pharmacotherapy Supportive individual counseling Educational family support Liaison between community services and hospitals Referrals made by: Psychiatrists Family physician Families Self-referrals Health care professionals School personnel Government and community agencies Addiction services Mobile Crisis Team Emergency room services Don’t be afraid to ask for help for yourself or for someone you know. In crisis and need immediate help? Call Emergency Services at 911 After hours of operation contact the mental health mobile crisis team available from noon to 10 p.m. at 1-866-771-7760. Outside the hours of operation contact Addiction and Mental Health’s helpline at 1-866-355-5550 / website. For more information please contact Horizon Health network at 506-856-2444. What is a psychosis? Psychosis is a word used to describe a condition that affects the mind, in which there has been some loss with reality. A psychosis will affect a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This experience varies from person to person and the symptoms are different for everybody. A first episode usually happens in the teen years or as a young adult. Men and women from all social classes and cultures can suffer from psychosis. Psychosis can be passed down through generations or can be caused by a medical condition. It can also be triggered by substance abuse, substance withdrawal or severe stress. Early warning signs Social isolation Feeling suspicious Anxious Tense Irritable Depressed Symptoms of Psychosis Positive symptoms: distortion of the persons normal functioning Delusions: Unusual or false beliefs Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling or tasting things that are not there Disorganized thoughts and speech Paranoia: Extreme and unreasonable mistrust of others Negative symptoms: decrease or loss of normal functions Little display of emotions Not speaking very much Lowered levels of motivation Decreased ability to initiate tasks Difficulties coming up with ideas For many people the first episode is also the last. Treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible. The key to successful recovery is early intervention. Horizon locations offering this service: FREDERICTON AREA Victoria Health Centre65 Brunswick St., Fredericton, N.B., E3B 1G5 – DirectionsPhone: 506-453-2132Fax: 506-452-5533Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MIRAMICHI AREA 1780 Water St., Suite 300, Miramichi, N.B., E1N 1B6 – DirectionsPhone: 506-778-6111Fax: 506-778-5296Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MONCTON AREA 81 Albert St., Moncton, N.B., E1C 1B3 – DirectionsPhone: 506-856-2444Fax: 506-856-2995Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. SAINT JOHN AREA Mercantile Centre55 Union St., 3rd Floor, Saint John, N.B., E2L 5B7 – DirectionsPhone: 506-658-3737Fax: 506-658-3739Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.