Image: This chart is a breakdown of how the first episode of psychosis affects various parts of the body. It was provided by the program. ( © 2018 Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (PION). All rights reserved.)
The First Episode Psychosis Program at the University of Minnesota Physicians in St. Louis Park offers walk-ins and referrals for diagnosis, therapy and community services
By Taylor Rivera
Many of the most serious mental illnesses – schizophrenia or bipolar type 1 – often emerge for young adults, during the time they are attending college. The first sign of these disorders might be an episode that includes delusions or psychosis, a scary prospect for anyone.
The First Episode Psychosis Program at the University of Minnesota Physicians St. Louis Park location provides mental health care to students and others in that situation.
Coordinated through the University’s NAVIGATE program, this specialty care program offers both clinical and non-clinical solutions for those between the ages of 15 and 40 who believe they may have experienced their first episode of psychosis-like symptoms.
Prior to COVID-19, the clinic offered walk-in consultations for patients to establish a baseline surrounding their distress and symptoms. Now, to protect the health and safety of all potential patients, the program has created a video call consultation tool to assist patients with their diagnoses and provide them with appropriate care.
The clinic takes referrals from crisis centers, including the University of Minnesota’s Behavioral Emergency Department on the West Bank.
Sarah Deurr, First Episode’s scheduling intake coordinator, said appropriate care through the clinic might range from individual therapy to other services.
“There are a lot of therapy services that are offered with our social workers and therapists,” Duerr said. “But we also offer community services like meeting with patients to obtain job placement, as well as helping with school readiness and making sure they have proper housing resources.”
The clinic in Saint Louis Park is directly connected to the University, making access for students a top priority of the program. The University of Minnesota Physicians can be reached to make an initial appointment by phone at 952-525-4500.