Porter-Starke Services has launched a program called Insight designed to identify and treat individuals who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. Insight serves individuals between the ages of 14 and 30 who have had a first episode of psychosis within the last five years. This early intervention can be critical for those who have recently experienced an episode and can significantly increase their chance of recovery.
“This program will enable us to bring more resources to individuals going through mental health issues in our community,” said Sandy Carlson, Vice President of Clinical Services at Porter-Starke Services. “Early care can make a difference in helping people experiencing mental health challenges, including psychosis, reduce their symptoms and live their lives more fully.”
Insight offers evidence-based treatment that involves the client in shared decision making to set goals and take an active role in their recovery. A team consisting of family, psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, employment specialists, primary care providers and group leaders will aid them in this process.
Early treatment after a first episode of psychosis has been shown to reduce symptoms, decrease the likelihood of subsequent episodes, and improve the individual’s job performance, interpersonal relationships, and other aspects of daily life.
Identification of psychosis can be difficult as some early symptoms such as irritability, mood changes, anxiety, or depression can also be mistaken for more generalized behavioral or mental health issues among adolescents and young adults.
“There are some misconceptions about psychosis, and we hope to help educate the community and care for those experiencing it,” said Stephanie Swearington, Project Director for the Insight Program. “We want people who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis to feel comfortable seeking support. It doesn’t need to be something a person experiences in silence. While it can be scary for people who experience an episode for the first time, early treatment can help with providing tools, resources and a community of people ready to be on their team.”
To help community members better understand a range of mental health conditions, including psychosis as well as depression, anxiety, and other issues, Porter-Starke Services offers Mental Health First Aid. This course helps people be better prepared to recognize and handle mental health crises and are offered to local individuals and community groups. Further training will also be offered to help law enforcement officers identify and de-escalate mental health issues they encounter in the community.
Porter-Starke Services, has secured funding from the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions (DMHA) to offer this program in collaboration with Oaklawn, a community mental heath center with facilities in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Call 219.531.3500 or visit us at www.porterstarke.org to learn more about the services offered by Porter-Starke Services. For more information or to schedule a Mental Health First Aid class email MHFA@porterstarke.org.
