The 1st Step Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program began serving the Waterloo Region and Wellington County since 2006. We are pleased to have offered specialized knowledge of psychosis to the mental health sector in this community for over 10 years. Our interdisciplinary team has grown to encompass clinicians with backgrounds both in social worker and nursing roles, a psychiatrist and registered nurse, family support and education, recovery program coordinator, occupational therapy, and peer support coaches.
We are equipped to see a client from the early phase of a psychotic illness through to recovery. We offer individual and group counseling for our clients and assist them in pursuing their life goals. We also provide support and education about psychosis for families and loved ones.
We believe recovery is possible and that early intervention is the key to effective treatment of psychosis.
Who do we serve?
We serve people in Waterloo or Wellington who are:
- Between the ages of 14 and 35;
- Have shown signs of psychosis during the past year; and
- Have been on medication for the treatment of psychosis for 6 months or less
Some of the services offered to clients attending 1st Step:
- Assessments
- One-on-one counseling and support focused on recovery
- Support for families and loved ones
- Psychiatric services with medication and its effectiveness monitored by a psychiatrist and nursing staff
- Vocational assessment and assistance attaining goals such as returning to school or work and resuming meaningful activities
- Support groups for clients and families to promote understanding about psychosis, relapse prevention, treatment options and community participation
- Skill building groups to prepare program participants for independent living
- Recreation and fitness groups to have fun, feel healthy and meet new people during the recovery process