OnTrack NY at ECMC

HomeHealth ServicesBehavioral HealthOnTrack NY at ECMC

For teenagers and young adults (and their families) experiencing early and first-episode psychosis, it’s critical to connect with a treatment provider as soon as you realize there is a problem so they can receive the support they need. The OnTrack Program at ECMC’s Regional Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health can help by providing services and support that inspire hope, resilience, and healing.   

Services available to participants ages 16–30 through the program include: 

  • A primary therapist who assists participants in achieving goals by providing education, treatment recommendations, and coping strategies for psychosis 
  • A family education program that teaches families about psychosis and treatment, reducing family stress, and improving communication and understanding 
  • Individualized medication treatment aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing relapses 
  • Support Education/Employment Specialist (SEE) who assist participants in developing goals for employment or education and then help to attain them 
  • Case management services to assist with transportation, housing, disability, legal, insurance, social service needs, or general continuity of care 
  • Peer support that provides an aspect of lived experience to participants, providing them with additional hope and guidance around living and thriving with psychosis

About Early & First-Episode Psychosis 

Early psychosis (also called first-episode psychosis or FEP) can be frightening, confusing, and distressing for the person experiencing it and difficult for family and friends to understand. In the United States, about 100,000 young people will experience psychosis each year, and 3 in 100 will have an episode in their lifetime. 

Connecting with the right resources for treatment during this kind of episode can be life-changing and radically alter your future for the better. The most important thing is to not delay getting help, even if you’re unsure whether you are experiencing early warning signs of psychosis or typical teen/young adult behaviors. Treatment during a first episode of psychosis is a patient’s best hope for slowing, stopping, or reversing the effects.

The Warning Signs of Early Psychosis 

Knowing the warning signs can help ensure you or your loved one get the right treatment as soon as possible.  

Warning signs include: 

  • Hearing, seeing, tasting, or believing things that others don’t 
  • Suspiciousness or extreme uneasiness with others 
  • Persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs 
  • Strong and inappropriate emotions or no emotions at all 
  • Withdrawing from family or friends 

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