Early intervention in psychosis is specialized treatment for the early phases of psychotic illnesses. Early intervention strategies are comprehensive and involve families as well as the wider community. They include assessment by trained clinicians, optimal doses of medication, psycho-social rehabilitation, family involvement and education and public education and awareness raising.

The goal of early intervention is to reduce treatment delays and optimize chances for recovery. In 1999 the Ontario Working Group on Early Intervention in Psychosis was formed in partnership with the provincial government to enhance early intervention services in Ontario - we have always been an active member of this group. The group consists of the five existing early intervention programs in Ontario as well as family and consumer groups. This Working Group has taken a leadership role in Ontario in advocating for the expansion of early intervention across the province.

In May 2005, the Ontario government announced a significant commitment to the expansion of early intervention services in Ontario during its mandate. We continue to work with both the Working Group, as well as the Ministry to ensure continued support for early intervention.

Click here to download a copy of our early intervention position paper