Essential components of early intevention programs for psychosis: a qualitative study of available services in the United States

Abstract

Programs providing interventions for early psychosis are becoming commonplace in the United States (US); however the terrain of existing services within programs remains undocumented. Unlike other countries, the US does not have a systematic approach to defining and treating this population. We examined program characteristics, clinical services, and treatment population parameters for early intervention programs across the US. A semi-structured telephone interview was conducted with program directors between July 2013 and April 2014. Content analysis was used to identify the presence or absence of 32 evidenced based practices recently recommended for early intervention programs (Addington, et al., 2013). Frequent client requests were identified and functional definitions of the population served were assessed. A total of 34 eligible programs were identified; 31 (91.2%) program representatives agreed to be interviewed. Of the 32 essential components, the most prevalent were individual psychoeducation and outcomes tracking; the least prevalent were outreach services and communication with inpatient units. The population was most frequently defined by age restrictions, and restrictions on the duration of psychosis. Emergent themes of client requests included functional and social recovery as well as help meeting practical needs. Findings have the ability to assist researchers and policy-makers in determining best practice models and creating measures of fidelity. This study provides critical feedback on services for the early psychosis population and identifies research to practice gaps and areas for improvement moving forward.