ServiceNet Wins Contract to Support Young Adults in Psychosis Recovery

NORTHAMPTON — When a young person experiences a serious mental-health crisis for the first time, surrounding him or her with needed therapy and support is the best way to prevent the condition from progressing. Thanks to a three-year, $1.5 million contract from the Mass. Department of Mental Health, ServiceNet – a mental-health and human-service agency headquartered in Northampton — recently launched its Prevention and Recovery Early Psychosis (PREP) program to do just that.

Located in Holyoke and focused on the needs of young adults age 16-30 who have recently experienced their first episode of psychosis, PREP is the only program of its kind in Western Mass.

In an episode of psychosis, a person has a break from reality during which they may see, hear, and believe things that aren’t real. Approximately three in 100 people will experience such an episode at some time during their lives, and young adults are at increased risk because of hormonal changes in the brain that occur during puberty. Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness, and it can be the result of a mental or physical illness, substance use, trauma, or extreme stress.

The PREP program helps individuals stabilize their lives, recover, and resume functioning in their communities.

“Our expert team of clinical and support staff specialize in building on people’s strengths and interests to help them find happiness again and reconnect to their goals in life,” said Anne Hopkinson, PREP program director. “We see each program participant as a whole person on the path toward recovery, instead of as a patient with a lifelong illness.”

Reflecting on this approach, one participant noted that “PREP is like a haven where I can fully be myself and explore who I want to be in a safe and warm setting.”

PREP staff members offer a wide range of evidence-based services, including individual, group, and family therapy; wellness activities; substance-abuse treatment; vocational counseling; and psychiatry. Within a supportive therapeutic environment, created by program staff and participants, they emphasize the importance of healthy social relationships in a person’s recovery.

“After our child’s hospitalization, the PREP program provided us with peace of mind,” said the parent of an individual in the program. “They helped answer the most terrifying questions and filled the abyss between hospital and recovery by supporting our child and family with respect, compassion, flexibility, and expertise in a safe, stimulating, and structured environment.”

Many people think of psychosis as a sudden break from reality, but there are often warning signs that precede an episode. These may include a worrisome drop in grades or job performance; trouble thinking clearly or concentrating; suspiciousness or uneasiness with others; a decline in self-care or personal hygiene; spending a lot more time alone than usual; strong, inappropriate emotions; or having no feelings at all.

Those interested in learning more about the PREP program are invited to attend an open house on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 1236 Main Street, Holyoke. No RSVP is required. For more information, e-mail ahopkinson@servicenet.org.

ServiceNet offers programs throughout Western Mass., providing individualized mental-health care with proven outcomes. For additional information about mental-health services available to young adults and their families, visit www.servicenet.org.