Smithers Early Psychosis Intervention Team

Smithers Early Psychosis Intervention Program (EPI) supports clients who are experiencing their first psychotic episode, or those who may have had previous psychosis, but where the first episode was less than five years ago, and who have not previously had prolonged periods of adequate treatment. The team consists of local staff who provide therapy and case management and who can virtually connect clients to a larger, interprofessional EPI team in Prince George. Smithers EPI also refers clients to other appropriate services and resources within Smithers. The service can also support clients in other local communities, including Telkwa, Houston, and Hazelton, and provide consultative support throughout the Northwest.

Services:

• Case management
• Group supports, including: psychoeducation group, cognitive remediation therapy, meta-cognitive therapy, family education group, and family support group
• Psychoeducation
• Support for families and care givers
• Treatment planning
• Therapy for psychosis
• Virtual supports from Prince George team, including: psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, clinical nurse educator, and family therapist

Referral process: 

• Phone, fax or in-person
• Referrals followed up on within 72 hours