Mental Health Commissioner to Speak at ServiceNet Event

NORTHAMPTON — Commissioner of Mental Health Joan Mikula, will be the featured speaker at a community open house for the PREP program of ServiceNet, on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 1236 Main St., Holyoke.

Funded by the Department of Mental Health, PREP offers intensive early intervention for young people, age 16-30, who have experienced a serious mental health crisis for the first time. PREP, which stands for Prevention and Recovery in Early Psychosis, is funded by the Department of Mental Health, and it is the only program of its kind in Western Mass.

Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness, and can be the result of a mental or physical illness, substance use, trauma, or extreme stress. Approximately 3 in 100 individuals will experience an episode of psychosis at some time in their lives, with young adults at highest risk. Using evidence-based treatment approaches, the PREP program’s therapists and counselors help people stabilize their lives, recover, and resume functioning in their communities.

Anyone interested in learning more about PREP is welcome to attend the open house, meet program leaders and staff, and tour the facility.The formal portion of the program is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. No RSVP is required. For more information, e-mail ahopkinson@servicenet.org.