Early Intervention Services
Information for patients, families and providers on obtaining care and treatment plans.
Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP)
A Collaborative Program
STEP is a collaborative program of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services and Yale University Department of Psychiatry. It is based at Connecticut Mental Health Center.
STEP is a clinic staffed by mental health providers in different fields – psychology, psychiatry, nursing, and social work. This "interdisciplinary" team seeks to provide comprehensive care for individuals who are early in the course of a psychotic illness in order to prevent symptoms from becoming disabling.
Treatment at STEP starts with thorough assessment in order to gain the best understanding of what may be causing the person's difficulties. Based upon individual needs and preferences, treatment may include medication management, community coaching (e.g. support in getting back to school or work), individual and group therapy, as well as support and education for family members and friends.
Our goal is to work with patients and their families to improve functioning, reduce stress, and minimize symptoms to facilitate independence and life satisfaction. Early intervention maximizes the chances of returning individuals to their desired goals—whether a job, school, or valued roles in their family or community.
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Get Involved
Early Intervention Services
Participate in Research
Patients and healthy people willing to serve as controls are welcomed to participate in studies through the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation.Read MoreEducation and Training
Information on postdoctoral training and the CT Early Psychosis Training NetworkRead More
Mindmap - A Public Information Campaign
The message is simple: treatment is available, effective, and the earlier, the better.