Philadelphia-PERC

Our program’s main goals are to:

• Stabilize symptoms
• Maintain cognition and functioning
• Optimize their well-being and daily functioning
• Foster their talents, skills, relationships, and vocations

Referred individuals are screened over the phone within 24-48 hours. For those appropriate for the program, an in-person assessment typically occurs within 7-14 business days.

The initial, customized assessment typically includes the following:

• Interview and evaluation by a psychiatric expert in early psychosis.
• Standard physical and neurological examination, and blood work testing to detect possible medical disorders that may produce behavioral symptoms.
• Review of medical records, prior treatments and responses.
• Formulation and discussion of treatment and support plan.

Treatment plans may include the following interventions:

Recovery Planning: The individual and the treatment team work collaboratively to develop a recovery plan that identifies goals and plans for services, and methods based on the individual’s needs and preferences.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)/Case Management: A Master’s Level Specialist provides a form of CBT developed to treat psychosis by Aaron Beck and colleagues.

Psychopharmacology: The program provides ongoing evidence-based psychopharmacology for early-episode psychosis, with emphasis on minimizing medication exposure and side effects.

Cognitive Remediation: The remediation intervention facilitated by a neuropsychologist and doctoral student administers eight 120-minute sessions in a small group format based on BrainHQ modules from Posit Science Inc.: 1) Attention; 2) Speeded Processing; 3) Memory; 4) People Skills; 5) Intelligence. All interventions are delivered via a secure internet login allowing for practice from home on a daily basis.

Multi-family Group Psychoeducation: Ongoing monthly meetings provided by an experienced clinician provide education, support and coping strategies for families.

Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Families: A closed, 12-week group for families aimed at improving families understanding, coping, and communication skills with their family member in the early stages of psychosis.

Supported Employment Educational Services: A dedicated support person establishes plans for functional goals and recovery with the participant. The support person assists possible return to school, access to jobs and training programs.

Peer Support Services: Individuals in recovery offer peer support and education services in the community to young persons currently experiencing psychosis in an effort to help maintain functioning.

Telehealth Services: Optional telehealth services available for therapy and case management appointments.

Substance Use Treatment: We coordinate with local substance use treatment programs to provide substance use treatment to participants that is also integrated with other services.