Coordinated Specialty Care for Early Psychosis (CSC)
Program Description
Coordinated Specialty Care is a collaborative, team-based, multi-disciplinary approach that specifically focuses on providing comprehensive evidence-based treatment to young people experiencing their first symptoms of psychosis. Individuals generally experience their first episodes of psychosis between 16 to 25 years of age. During an episode, an individual’s thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real or not.
Program Eligibility
CSC is intended for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 35 evidencing their first symptoms of a psychotic disorder.
Where to find services
There are 16 CSC Teams providing services to young people and their families throughout the state. To find a team that serves your county, visit the Specialty Treatment Team Maps (Link to the Multidisciplinary Treatment Team Maps).
Treatment Team Staff
CSC Teams use a team of individuals to provide a range of services to eligible persons and their families that includes:
- A Licensed Mental Health Professional,
- Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse,
- Certified Peer Specialist, and
- Case Manager.
Services Offered
The CSC Teams work with young people and their families to create personal treatment plans as soon as possible after their symptoms begin.
A few of the services offered by CSC Teams are described below:
Case Management
The primary case manager, along with the team, coordinates care, advocates on behalf of the participant, and provides access to a variety of services and supports, such as primary health care, basic needs such as housing and transportation, educational and employment services, and legal services.
Medication Management
Services include psychiatric evaluation, prescribing and/or administering and reviewing medications and their side effects, including medication management, as well as supports and training to the recipient.
Supported Education and Employment
Supported education and employment programs help youth and adults with mental illnesses work towards a path of recovery as they are empowered with the tools and assistance they need to maintain and achieve their academic, vocational, and career goals.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that provides information and support to patients and their loved ones about their mental health condition and treatment.
Therapy
Clinicians provide and coordinate individual and family therapy services. The type, frequency and location of therapy provided are based on individual needs and utilize empirically supported techniques for that individual and their symptoms and behaviors.
Peer Support
Peer Support services are specialized therapeutic interactions conducted by self-identified current or former consumers of behavioral health services who are trained and certified to offer support and assistance in helping others in their recovery and community-integration process.