Preliminary Evaluation of Washington State's Early Intervention Program for First-Episode Psychosis.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-18-2019

Publication Title

Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Early intervention programs are designed to address the needs of youths experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP). Washington State developed New Journeys, a network of coordinated specialty care programs for FEP. In this study, the authors have outlined components of the New Journeys model and preliminary findings since its initial implementation.

METHODS: Youths and young adults diagnosed as having psychosis (N=112) completed measures at and after intake on a range of mental health assessments and functional outcomes for the first 12 months of treatment. Administrative data including state-funded emergency department and psychiatric hospitalizations were assessed 24 months before and after intake. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess change over time on multiple measures of mental health status.

RESULTS: Compared with their condition at intake, clients had significant decreases in symptoms of anxiety (β=-2.48, p

CONCLUSIONS: New Journeys clients experienced improved clinical and functional outcomes during their first year of treatment, and rates of state-funded service utilization decreased during their treatment.

Clinical Institute

Mental Health

Department

Behavioral Health

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