Over $1 million was raised at The Benefit event in November to support a new UW Medicine Behavioral Health Institute at Harborview Medical Center. In addition to improved crisis intervention and telepsychiatry consultation services, the Institute will initially focus on building a First Episode Psychosis Program that takes a population health approach to comprehensive clinical services for youth and young adults experiencing a first episode of psychosis in King County with plans to extend services across Washington State.

Research shows that a shorter period of untreated psychosis significantly improves the course of the illness, leading to better long-term health and social outcomes. However, youth and young adults with psychosis face challenges in getting accurate diagnoses and timely and effective care. In the US, the average duration of untreated psychosis is approximately 24 months. That’s two years of suffering for individuals and their families before they get the help they need.

In partnership with Harborview Medical Center and Seattle Children’s, we intend to implement and enhance a proven model of Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) that provides the services needed for youth and young adults to have the best chance of leading full and productive lives. Led by Maria Monroe-DeVita, PhD, and Carolyn Brenner, MD, the program will include assertive case management, evidence-based psychotherapy, select antipsychotic medication, supported employment and education, family support and education, and peer support. We will also look to integrate effective treatment for substance use disorders, implement whole person/integrated care, optimize the role of family and peers, improve the transition to outpatient care, develop a tele-health consultation service, and develop a digital community to support youth and young adults with psychosis as well as their family members and clinical providers.

At the end of five years, we hope to have an enhanced model of Coordinated Specialty Care that can reach youth and young adults presenting with a first episode of Psychosis and their families at UW Medicine and throughout Washington State. The program’s ultimate goal is to offer clinical consultation to providers who care for youth and young adults with early psychosis anywhere in our region. Although we have a lot of work ahead, we are excited and energized by the success we’ve had thus far.