About Our Program

Thanks to our research grants and generous gifts, all assessments and treatment services are free of charge. Youth are compensated for their participation in assessments.

Initial Contact and Assessment Process:

Once CAPPS is contacted, a brief phone screen is conducted to evaluate if our program would be an appropriate fit. Afterward, an initial screening evaluation is scheduled within a few weeks.

In-Depth Evaluation for Risk Assessment:

An in-depth structured clinical interview is conducted during the initial evaluation and lasts approximately 3 hours. This evaluation (often combined with information from outside providers) determines if the youth meets criteria for clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis.

Joining the Early Intervention Program:

If the youth meets criteria for clinical high risk (CHR), they are invited to be part of our two-year early intervention program. All assessment services are provided at no cost.

Comprehensive Care and Monitoring:

Services include comprehensive diagnostic, psychosocial, and neuropsychological assessments conducted every six months to start to monitor symptoms and functioning closely.

Therapeutic Support and Family Involvement:

CAPPS early intervention research program participants are also offered family or individual psychoeducation sessions that provide further information about the clinical high-risk (CHR) state, best practice intervention options, and assistance in creating a plan for reducing stress and risk for escalating symptoms. Additionally, families are provided caregiver support, referrals, and case management services.

Skills Development and External Collaboration:

We offer parent and teen skills groups to help reduce stress and enhance coping abilities. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with your outside providers. We will regularly share our findings and recommendations with your providers to help them optimize treatment, school advocacy, and crisis intervention.

Importance of Timely Mental Health Treatment:

Mental health problems are often like physical symptoms; the sooner individuals receive treatment, the better. The longer an illness is left untreated, the greater the disruption to the individual’s ability to study, work, make friends and interact comfortably with others.