Helping young people and families understand changes in thoughts, perceptions, and experiences that may be related to psychosis.
Sometimes young people begin experiencing changes that are difficult to understand. They may start to become more worried or suspicious of others, notice changes in the way they see, hear, or make sense of things around them, have trouble keeping up in school, or spend more time alone. These experiences can happen for many different reasons.
PEAT works with young people and families to understand what is happening, identify strengths and areas where support may be helpful, and determine the best next steps together. Our team has particular expertise in evaluating and treating young people who may be experiencing early signs of psychosis or who are experiencing psychosis.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a term used to describe experiences that can make it difficult to determine what is real or to interpret what is happening around you.
A person experiencing psychosis might hear or see things that other people do not, have beliefs or ideas that others find unusual, feel very suspicious or fearful of others, or have difficulty organizing their thoughts.
Psychosis can look different from person to person, and these experiences can occur for many different reasons. Having an unusual or confusing experience does not necessarily mean that someone has a psychotic disorder.
What is CHR-P?
Clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) is a term used to describe experiences that may be early signs of psychosis. Some young people experience changes in their thoughts, perceptions, or functioning that are milder, less frequent, or less clear than experiences associated with psychotic disorders. They may know that something feels different but have difficulty understanding or explaining what is happening.
Young people who meet criteria for CHR-P have an increased risk of developing psychosis, but being identified as CHR-P does not mean that a young person will develop psychosis.
The goal of evaluation and early support is to better understand the young person’s experiences and needs, reduce distress or difficulties they may be having, build on their strengths, and help them continue moving toward the things that matter to them.
Who We Serve
PEAT provides assessment and treatment to individuals ages 10 to 25 who are experiencing symptoms that may indicate risk for developing psychosis, or who are currently experiencing an episode of psychosis.
Families and other important people in a young person’s life can also be an important part of care. We work collaboratively with young people and families to understand their concerns, strengths, priorities, and goals.
When Might PEAT be Helpful?
If changes in youth are observed by the youth, caregivers or providers such as:
- New difficulties at work or school
- New or significantly worsening difficulty with concentration
- Trouble with self-care
- Social withdrawal
- Unusual or intense ideas
- Suspiciousness or paranoia
- Perceptual changes, such as new sensitivity to lights or sounds, or hearing whispers or seeing shadows
- Feeling like your mind is playing tricks on you
Many of these symptoms aren’t specific to psychosis alone. Our team will work with the youth and their family to evaluate what may be contributing to these symptoms and recommend the best next steps.
Our Team
Our team includes psychologists, licensed mental health clinicians, licensed social workers, a case coordinator and prescribers who provide assessment, individual therapy, and medication management.
Services
- Comprehensive assessment of youth
- Individual therapy sessions
- Ongoing medication management, if needed’
- Referrals to outside providers when appropriate
- Support and information for families
- Support in identifying strengths, goals and strategies for managing difficult experiences
- Case management when appropriate
Get Started
If you’re concerned about yourself or a young person in your life, don’t wait. Early support makes a real difference.
If you have questions, please contact the PEAT Coordinator, Lisa Smith O’Connor, at 413-540-1210 x1357.
To make a referral, please use the appropriate link below: