Psychosis is described as any number of behaviors or changes an individual experiences indicating a different experience of reality. When these behaviors and changes emerge and start to affect an individual’s ability to meet their life goals, they may benefit from support through the LACDMH EPI-LA Program.
Early Psychosis Services through the Department of Mental Health aim to provide early intervention for youth and adults ages 12-40 experiencing the early signs and symptoms of psychosis or who have experienced their first episode of psychosis within the last five years. Evidence shows that by providing early intervention during the first phases of psychotic symptoms, individuals can reduce the likelihood that their symptoms progress into a chronic psychotic disorder. Chronic psychosis can lead to significant functional impairment, increased chances of hospitalization and the need for lifelong, intensive mental health treatment.
EPI-LA (formally known as PIER) Early Psychosis Program
EPI-LA (Early Psychosis Intervention – Los Angeles) is an outpatient mental health program that supports individuals and their self-defined families. EPI-LA uses the CSC (Coordinated Specialty Care) for FEP (First Episode Psychosis) treatment model, which is an evidence-based treatment model used throughout California to treat early psychosis. Clients and their families learn how to build coping skills, learn ways to manage stress which can trigger symptoms of psychosis, and receive the services and support they need to stay on track with their life goals. Individuals and families typically enroll in EPI-LA services for 2 to 5 years. The program provides multidisciplinary services including multifamily group, individual therapy, medication services, peer/parent support, supportive education/employment services and case management.
Have you noticed any of these changes in someone you know between the ages of 12-40?
- Feeling suspicious or fearful of others, including people they have trusted before
- Hearing sounds or voices, seeing visions, or experiencing strange sensations that others do not perceive
- Odd or unusual behaviors or beliefs that are new and uncharacteristic for the person
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound or touch
- Difficulty with concentration, memory and attention
- Difficulty communicating with and understanding others
- Difficulties in school or work that are new, significant and progressive
- Social withdrawal from friends and family
If so, they may benefit from a confidential screening by an EPI-LA staff member to determine if they might benefit from Early Psychosis services. Please email the DMH Early Psychosis team at EarlyPsychosis@dmh.lacounty.gov to get connected to an EPI-LA program.
Community Outreach, Education and Advocacy
Along with direct services to clients through the EPI-LA program, the Department of Mental Health also provides community outreach and education regarding Early Psychosis. EPI-LA Providers and DMH staff provide workshops to help community members, youth, adults and other mental health professionals to recognize the signs of Early Psychosis in youth and adults. The DMH First Episode Psychosis Assessment and Linkage Program (FEPALP) works to identify individuals in Los Angeles who can benefit from EPI-LA services.
The Department of Mental Health is also part of EPI-CAL, a Statewide partnership of Early Psychosis programs throughout California with the goal of quality improvement and fidelity to the CSC for FEP model.
For information about EPI-LA services, to make a referral for a confidential screening, or to schedule an educational workshop about how to recognize the signs of Early Psychosis for your community group, please email DMH Early Psychosis at EarlyPsychosis@dmh.lacounty.gov.
View/download the EPI-LA brochure:
- Arabic
- Armenian
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Chinese (Traditional)
- English
- Hindi
- Japanese
- Khmer
- Korean
- Persian
- Russian
- Spanish
- Tagalog
- Thai
- Vietnamese
Know the Signs of Psychosis for Caregivers flyer (English / Español)
Know the Signs of Psychosis for Youth flyer (English / Español)
Resources:
LACDMH Services for Transition Age Youth – Department of Mental Health
Mental Health Services Act – Innovation 8 – Early Psychosis Learning Health Care Network LACDMH
PEPPNET – A Early Psychosis resource directory from Stanford University
