Our Model

Early intervention and prevention for psychosis affects everyone, not just those who access or provide mental health treatment. Because of this, we understand these issues through the socio-ecological model. This model shows us that people who experience psychosis are shaped and supported by the communities, institutions, and systems that surround them. Through our conversations with community partners, we identified six priority populations at each level of this model:

1. Individuals and families who experience psychosis;

2. The diverse communities in which individuals live and interact;

3. Professionals in the community who interact closely with high-risk youth;

4. Medical and behavioral healthcare institutions;

5. Specialized early psychosis treatment programs; and

6. The statewide system of mental healthcare for early psychosis.

In addition, stigma was an important topic that came up often in our conversations. Stigma affects people at every level, from internalized shame about psychosis symptoms to systemic bias against those who experience psychosis. Because of this, we include a special item for “Challenging Stigma” at each level, which supports projects to increase knowledge and understanding of psychosis symptoms, treatment, and recovery.

Q: Think about the ways that our mental health system affects your day-to-day life. Which of these six groups are you a part of?