CCMH - MED / EASA

(Early Assessment & Support Alliance)

 

WHAT

 

Psychosis is one of the most common adolescent health conditions, and there are many causes. Gradual onset of symptoms is typical. Identification of these symptoms early in an individual’s life is important to treating the illness and helping them to get back on track and prevent long term disability. 

 

 

EASA is an alliance of several counties in Oregon recently receiving grant funding by the Oregon Legislature to expand an evidence-based early psychosis treatment model.  Outcomes from our support team in Salem, OR, have been very favorable in reducing the impact of psychosis.  EASA’s goal is to identify clients with early psychosis and reduce the impact of psychosis through our unique treatment model.  See our EAST support team website for additional information:  http://www.eastcommunity.org/     

 

·                     Once client is enrolled in EASA, counseling, individual and family psycho-education, multi-family groups, psychiatric and medication management and vocational rehab services are provided by CCMH for 2 full years before we transition clients to ongoing supports.

 

 

WHO

·                     All Columbia County residents are eligible for referral

·                     Around ages 15 to 25

·                     IQ above 70

·                     Symptoms of delusions, confused thinking and disordered speech, hallucinations. Negative symptoms such as difficulty expressing emotion, enjoying activities or a decline in school work.  Cognitive symptoms with working memory, attention, organization, etc.

·                     No prior psychosis treatment lasting over 1 year

·                     Symptoms are not clearly caused by street drug use or a medical condition

 

WHY

·                     Early referral can make the difference between clients staying in their lives or losing it!

·                     Psychosis is more common than insulin-dependent Type I diabetes and just as treatable 

·                     About 3 in 100 will develop psychosis associated with a serious mental illness or about 1 youth in every classroom

·                     Early symptoms can be the most disabling and lead to use of street drugs for self-medication

 

HOW

·                     Anyone identifying a client with possible early psychotic symptoms may refer them to CCMH

·                     Services are provided regardless of ability to pay (EASA is funded with state funds, private insurance, OHP, foundations and private donations)

·                     Call us with clients information and we will screen for EASA program eligibility

·                     EASA staff at CCMH will stay in touch with you to collaborate primary care and mental health services as needed

 

Contact Information

·                     Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH)

            58646 McNulty Way

            PO Box 1234

            St. Helens, OR  97051

            503-397-5211 ext. 282

            Toll Free:  1-800-294-5211 ext. 282

            Fax:  503-438-2196

            Further questions can be directed to Carli Jo Nicholson, Clinical Lead at ext. 135

 

·                     Residents of many other Oregon counties also have EASA services available to them in their respective counties.  Call CCMH and we can refer you elsewhere if needed.

Pamphlet for Families and Friends

Pamphlet for Professionals and Referents