Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Programs
Need help immediately?
If there is an urgent safety concern, please call 9-1-1 or go to emergency at your nearest hospital.
Suicide hotline: 1-800-784-2433
Call BC Crisis Line: 604-310-6789
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
KUU-US Crisis Support Line (BC Wide Indigenous Toll Free Crisis and Support Line): 1-800-588-8717
Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Programs provide early identification and treatment for psychosis so symptoms don't become too unmanageable and disruptive to a person's life.
At VCH, there are three program locations: Vancouver, Richmond and Coastal (North Shore). Please see their contact information below. The EPI programs see individuals aged 13-30 with suspected or confirmed psychosis, except where explained by another medical condition, who live in the VCH Health Region.
What to expect
The VCH EPI Programs provide comprehensive and specialized treatment aligned with the provincial best practice standards for treating psychosis.
Some of the services we provide include:
- individual treatment and support,
- family meetings,
- group sessions and
- vocational support.
Visit the Provincial Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) website to learn more.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is a treatable medical condition that affects the brain in which there is some loss of contact with reality.
Psychosis is different in each person, but it usually includes hallucinations, delusions and/or difficulties with thinking. Learn more about psychosis and the importance of early intervention from the Provincial Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) website.
Resources
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Provincial Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Website
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BC Schizophrenia Society
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Canadian Mental Health Association: BC Division
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Canadian Consortium for Early Intervention in Psychosis
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Mental Health Act
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Coast Mental Health
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Open Door Group
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Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Program brochure
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How to access
People with concerns about themselves or on behalf of someone else can directly contact the VCH EPI program. Anyone concerned can include family, friends, doctors, teachers, school counsellors and youth workers.
Find the location near you for more information on accessing this service.
If living in Squamish, Pemberton, Whistler, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Sunshine Coast or Powell River, please get in touch with a local mental health and substance use service.
