Early Intervention in Psychosis Service

Who we are

We provide an early intervention in psychosis service for people age 14 to 65.

The word psychosis is used to describe conditions that affect the mind, where there is some loss of contact with what's real and what's not real. It can affect our thoughts, feelings and the way we behave.

When someone experiences symptoms of psychosis, their condition is referred to as a 'psychotic experience'. The term 'first episode psychosis' simply means that someone is experiencing psychosis for the first time. Early intervention is the support we provide to people who have developed a first episode of psychosis between the ages of 14 and 65.

Research shows that early intervention teams like ours can help people experiencing the early signs of psychosis to make a better recovery and reduce the risk of relapse and needing to be admitted to hospital. 

We can help you by:

• Supporting you to talk about your experiences

• Supporting you to improve your confidence

• Offering education on psychosis and advice on ways to recover from the condition

• Offering reviews with a doctor and discussing medication options with you

• Providing support for your family

• Helping with other issues such as employment, education and housing

• Offering advice on drugs and alcohol, and refer you to other local services that will be able to help with this.

Who is our service for?

Our service is for adults age 14 to 65 who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. You will need to have a GP in Knowsley or St Helens to access our service.

What will happen at your first appointment?

We can either come to your home or see you at a local venue for your first appointment. It is up to you if you would like to bring someone with you to the appointment, such as a family member or close friend.

At the appointment, we will speak to you about the things you have been experiencing and ask you questions about how these have been affecting you; this might include using Patient Reported Outcome Measures. This will help us to understand your needs and how we might be able to help. We may agree that you need to attend more than one appointment.