HI, I am working on my thesis and seeking information to help with a realist review/synthesis in this specific area. I'd appreciate a few contacts of currently operating (early psychosis intervention) EPI programs.
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is one such program, at https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Peer-to-Peer
NAMI Peer-to-Peer
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 10-session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery.
Taught by a trained team of people who've been there, the program includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises. Everything is confidential, and NAMI never recommends a specific medical therapy or treatment approach.
What You’ll Gain
This in-person group experience provides the opportunity for mutual support and positive impact. You can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who relate to your experiences. Through your participation, you have the opportunity to help others grow. This is a confidential place to learn from shared experiences in an environment of sincere, uncritical acceptance. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope for all people living with mental illness.
NAMI Peer-to-Peer helps you:
Create a personalized relapse prevention plan
Learn how to interact with health care providers
Develop confidence for making decisions and reducing stress
Stay up-to-date on mental health research
Understand the impact of symptoms on your life
Access practical resources on how to maintain your journey toward recovery
- See more at: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Peer-to-Peer#sthash.BoDCZayt.dpuf
Thank you Hendrika, I'm aware of the NAMI program and wonder if you know of one location where it is being used for early psychosis youth (likely 19-25 years of age) who are experiencing a first episode. The above is geared toward mental illness in general and is a program. I am ideally looking to interview a few people who are currently implementing the NAMI program or another program specifically in EPI area. In the USA it may also be referred to as emerging youth though I am looking specifically with those in first episode psychosis.
In the US, the modal age of military enlistment and training is approximately the same as the modal age at first episode of psychosis. Therefore, military hospital psychiatrists see more first-break psychosis patients than anyone else, and may have a ward full of such patients. I imagine it is much the same in your country. If you or one of your contacts has a friend who is a military psychiatrist, I suspect that is who you should ask.
Nova Scotia has an early psychosis program - and has done some great work. Let me know if you are still looking and I'll see if I can find contact info.