Three out of every hundred people in the world will at some time in their life experience a psychotic episode, experiencing hallucinations and / or delusions and disorganization of thought that can be frightening and seriously interfere with a person’s ability to function. This is often a frightening experience and a time of tremendous uncertainty for the affected individuals, families, or friends.  

The good news is that clinical practice and research now shows us that early treatment is a key component in obtaining good long-term results for those experiencing psychosis. Research and clinical programs around the world have shown repeatedly that early treatment; soon after a first psychotic episode, by a coordinated team of specialists provides the best clinical results, with individuals having a good chance of returning to pre-psychosis functioning.

Launched in 2019, the Specialized Treatment for Early Psychosis (STEP) program at Harborview directed by Merrill Berger, PhD, is one of those programs. STEP provides patients with the best research-based treatment, individualized to fit a patient’s unique needs. The approach is about the whole person, not just the symptoms of psychosis. Clinicians at Harborview help patients with all aspects of life; coping skills, motivation, returning to employment and education, overall physical health and fitness, as well as control of psychotic symptoms with low dose medications. Often the crisis of a psychotic break results in strained family relationships. STEP aims to help patients and their families better cope with each other.