It’s a common medical condition that affects the brain’s ability to process information. It can affect the way that we interpret information, the ability.

Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA)

Program

Early interventionProgram serving ouryouth who have hadan initial experience

of psychosis.

So What Is Psychosis?

It’s a common medical condition that affects the brain’s ability to process information.

It can affect the way that we interpret information, the ability to organize information and the ability to express information.

Psychotic Symptoms

Inability to tell what is real

Problems with speech

Disturbances in emotional expression or movement

Hallucinationsor delusions

Possible Causes

Drugs: Marijuana, Meth, Steroids,Stimulants

Genetic Vulnerability

Sleep deprivation

Head Injury

Mood Disorders

Many medical conditions

Tumors

Stress orTrauma

SchizophreniaPSYCHOSIS

How Common Is It In Youth?

6 times more common than diabetes and just as treatable

when caught early

3 out of 100 teens/young adults experience psychosis

…Approx. 1 youth in every classroom

Well-researched model

Identifying and treating someone in the early stages of a psychosis can significantly improve theirlong-termoutcome

2007 Oregon legislature funded EASA

Intensive multi-disciplinary approach during critical period

Early Intervention Works!

Assessment and Stabilization

Adaptation

Consolidation

Transition

Post-graduation

Keep young people with the Early signs of psychosis on their normal life paths

Build community awareness• Network

• Wrap-around services

Accessible, effective treatment and support• 2yr transitional program• Evidence-based practices

• 5 phases

Our Mission

So What Should I Look For?

Early symptoms are often subtle, but can cause

major problems with the ability to learn and

interact.

Performance

BehaviorPerception

Reading/understanding complex sentences

Speaking/understanding speech

Coordination in sports

Attendance or grades

Extreme fear

Bizarre actions, statements, beliefs

Incoherent writing

Social withdrawal

Sleep changes

Changes in appetite

Others are trying to hurt them

Heightened senses

Putting thoughts in their head

Hearing voices

Visual changes

Why EASA is needed

•Schizophrenia affects 1/100

•Most major illnesses have typical onset in teen and young adult

years

•The best opportunity to change the outcome is at the beginning

Economic Costs

•Treatment costs for schizophrenia can be as much as 15 times higher than other mental health disorders •2002 study estimated the annual cost of schizophrenia in the US at $62 billion, only 36% from direct treatment costs

•Employment rate of 10-25%

Why Early Treatment?

Its Effective!!

•Lower doses of medications over shorter periods

• Empowerment

• Insight is still preserved

• Keep identity in life vs. forming around psychosis

• Faster recovery

• Self advocacy vs. inability to care for self

What can happen withoutearly intervention?

•Delays/inappropriate care•Drug abuse

•Legal involvement•Escalating crisis•Disability pathway

•Confusion and isolation•Loss of friends andfamily relationships

Why Community Involvement?Avoid homelessness

Avoid legal involvement

Avoid hospitalization

Avoid self-medication through drugs

Increased likelihood of being employed

Reduces suicide risk

School success vs. drop out or fail

Individualized counseling

Psychiatry and Nursing

Supported Employment & Education

Family support and education

Multi-family groups

Substance abuserehabilitation

Case management, mentoring & skills training

What EASA has to offer

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy

EASA

OT Process

• Client-centered evaluation process to develop understanding of individual’s roles and occupations

• Determine what factors affect a person’s life:– 1) social-emotional skills– 2) sensory processing skills– 3) cognitive skills– 4) motivational factors– 5) environmental factors

• Collaborate with support systems such as family/care providers, other professionals, and community resources to help individual access and participate in desired areas of occupation.

Human Occupation

What is Supported Employment?

• Supported Employment helps people with mental illnesses find regular jobs of their choice with individualized and continual support. The Supported Employment program is an evidence-based practice that is also often referred to as the IPS model (Individual Placement and Support).

Supported Employment Principals

1. Zero Exclusion

2. Integration with Mental Health Team

3. Competitive Employment

4. Benefits Counseling

5. Rapid Job Search

6. Follow Along Supports

7. Client Preferences

Employment Assistance

• We aim to help individuals find and maintain employment.

• For each person to capitalize on personal strengths.

• Provide assistance as necessary to be successful at work.

• Examples– Finding a job– Updating resumé– Interviewing skills– On-site job coaching

EASA

Work & Recovery

• Builds self-esteem• Promotes independence

and self-reliance• Adds responsibility in

managing finances • Promotes development

of coping skills• Improves social skills

• Builds work history• Broadens interests• Helps one identifying a

career path.

Supported Education

• Assesses newly/recently diagnosed youth for educational capabilities

• Provides training assistance, continuing support, exploration, and goal setting

• Partners and encourages schools, administrators, and community providers to recognize clients’ abilities to be productive and successful in educational settings

• Provides assistance in creating individualized accommodations in school settings to optimize academic outcomes

• Services provided in school, community, home, and office based environments

High School

• IEP Support/Accommodations• Standard/Modified Diploma VS GED• Help family’s bridge gap between School

District Special Ed. Staff and High Schools

Mainstream High School

Alternative Education• Online Academies• Credit Recovery• Specialized Options

College• FAFSA Assistance• Disability Services/Accommodations• Academic Advising

Exploration

Academic Program ExplorationSkills AssessmentsInterest AssessmentsPersonality

Assessments

Success Story: Debbie

I had always been a very active, social person. About halfway through my senior year in high school I started to notice things that were weird. I would hear voices talking about me when nobody else was around. I started to think there were Nazis everywhere, and that there was a conspiracy. I thought my mom was trying to poison me. I was so scared I just tried to avoid everybody…

Success Story: Debbie

My mom introduced me to an EASA counselor and I decided to try medicine and it helped. The voices stopped and I could hardly believe I had thought people were trying to hurt me. Sometimes when things are stressful I still have a relapse. I have to watch my early warning signs, like sleeping problems and noticing that colors are getting more intense. I just call the doctor and we keep things under control. I’m in college now and I’m going into business…I’d tell people you can do it, but you need help.

How can EASA collaborate with YTP?

• EASA partners with organizations like YTP to:– Educate communities and institutions on early

warning signs and detection–Provide free consultation and assessment–Distribute resources for professionals– Increase awareness around psychosis

Don’t Wait!If in doubt, call!!

EASA Washington County 503-705-9999EASA Multnomah County 503-988-3272EASA Clackamas County 503-710-8843

www.easacommunity.org