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    • Changing Minds, Empowering Lives

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    HeadsUp is a collaborating organization whose mission is to help end the stigma around psychosis through education, advocacy, and support. We promote early intervention centered around personalized, accessible, and effective care for all people in Pennsylvania. Learn More +

    When you or someone in your family is suffering from psychosis it can be hard to know where to turn. The first experience with psychosis can be frightening and confusing but finding help early provides the best hope for recovery.

    We understand that navigating these changes can be challenging. We offer a supportive platform of hope to individuals and their families to make information, care, and recovery more manageable.

    Worried about yourself?

    Sometimes we notice our minds or bodies are feeling off which can feel confusing or even scary.  If you have been experiencing troubling beliefs, problems with perception, disorganized thinking, or withdrawal it is good to know there are people who can help you sort through these uncomfortable feelings and determine if and when care may be needed.  Even though it is hard to reach out, it is important not to ignore these signs.

    What is Psychosis? Animated Short Video
    I Have More Questions
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    Worried about a family member or friend?

    If someone you care about has been exhibiting unusual behaviors such as problems with perception, disorganized thinking, or withdrawal there are people who can help. While it may feel uncomfortable to reach out, its important not to ignore early signs of concern or distress. Take the first step and learn more about early psychosis.

    How can I help someone experiencing psychosis?
    What is the best way to 
talk to my loved one?
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    Finding hope and support with providers from the STEP clinic

    "It's really helped for me to realize that things can get better, you can make improvements in your life. Nothing's easy at first but with practice and time and effort it becomes gradually easier. There is nothing you can't overcome.”

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    An empowering path to recovery with the caring team from the ENGAGE clinic

    "I didn't know that I had empowerment, that I was a valid human being...I am very excited about the possibility for the future for myself in a way that I couldn't have imagined would have been possible without the FEP programs.”

    PA Early Psychosis News!

    April, 2023

    Check out the latest installment of our quarterly newsletter and read about the strides we are making in PA early psychosis care.

    The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has announced a funding opportunity for Pennsylvania Counties. This opportunity will allow qualified entities to request funding to apply for or renew Community Mental Health Services Block Grant funding to support county FEP programs. Please refer to the FEP guidance document linked below for assistance in completing your applications/renewals.

    Read More +

     

    • April 21, 2023-by 5:00pm – Renewal Submission Deadline
    • April 28, 2023-by 5:00pm – Application Submission Deadline
    • May 26, 2023 – OMHSAS program selection announce

    All applications and supporting documents must be submitted through the Wizehive portal at https://webportalapp.com/sp/cpa-fep.

    Supporting documents including program guidance can be found at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Mental-Health-In-PA/Pages/First-Episode-Psychosis.aspx.

    If you have any questions at all about this opportunity, please feel free to contact OMHSAS FEP staff at ra-pwfep@pa.gov.

     

    Events & Announcements

    HeadsUp Early Psychosis Mentor Phone Line

    First Episode Psychosis (FEP) centers are not always conveniently located to people who need them. If you are a Pennsylvania clinician working with a client who may be experiencing early psychosis, we are here to help connect you to information regarding specific care, research, and telehealth resources.  For more information or to submit your first question visit the HeadsUp Early Psychosis Mentor page in the clinician’s space of our website OR you can now call our toll free line: 1-833-933-2816

    Watch and share this brief video about our early psychosis mentor program.

    First Episode Psychosis Centers in PA are Making a Difference

    Early Intervention in Psychiatry
    91%

    91% decrease in number of participant hospitalizations

    126%

    Employment rates increased by 126%

    85%

    School enrollment increased by 85% in those over 18

    82%

    82% decrease in suicide attempts

    76%

    76% decrease in homelessness

    *all mentioned data is at 24 month follow-up

    Questions for HeadsUp?

    Catherine (Cat) Conroy, M.Ed, Manager of HeadsUp
    Neurodevelopment and Psychosis Section, Department of Psychiatry
    Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
    10th floor, Gates Pavilion, HUP
    3400 Spruce Street, Rm. 10054, Philadelphia, PA 19104
    headsuppaorg@gmail.com

    We are available during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) to answer any questions you may have about our organization or to direct you to programs in Pennsylvania that can offer clinical help.