First-Episode Psychosis (FEP)
This page serves as a hub for mobile crisis teams and behavioral health professionals seeking training and resources on First-Episode Psychosis (FEP). It provides access to a four-part recorded training series covering FEP-related crisis intervention strategies, cultural considerations, and follow-up care based on the evidence-based practice of coordinated specialty care (CSC). Additionally, you’ll find innovative tools, including an interactive FEP map for California and other valuable resources for mobile crisis teams.
What is FEP?
First-episode psychosis (FEP) is the first time someone experiences psychotic symptoms, such as difficulty distinguishing reality from delusions or hallucinations. It can be frightening, confusing, and distressing for both the individual and their loved ones. Psychosis often occurs episodically, and early intervention is crucial. Getting the right treatment during FEP can significantly improve outcomes1. The experience of FEP is most common in youth and young adults between the ages of 16-24. Prompt support can make a life-changing difference.
FEP and Mobile Crisis
Mobile crisis teams provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, including First-Episode Psychosis (FEP). They assess the situation, de-escalate distress, and connect individuals to appropriate care, such as CSC. These teams play a critical role in ensuring individuals receive timely, culturally responsive support and follow-up services. By bridging the gap between crisis response and ongoing care, mobile crisis teams help individuals access the resources they need.
Resources
Early Psychosis Care Directory
This statewide resource is designed to help individuals, mobile crisis teams, and mental health professionals locate psychosis-related services across California. This map was created to make it easier to find and access care when it’s needed most. The map includes counties with early psychosis programs, as well as links to care navigation hotlines for each county behavioral health department. While some counties may not have dedicated psychosis services, behavioral health departments can often provide alternative resources.
Strategies for Supporting Individuals in Crisis Experiencing Psychosis: A Tool for Mobile Crisis Teams Informed by Voices of Lived Experiences
This handout highlights key reflections and practice strategies to help crisis teams approach psychosis with cultural responsiveness, dignity, and care. It summarizes the voices of lived experience from a four-part, Communities of Practice program that focused on psychosis and crisis response. Twelve panelists – including individuals with lived experience, family members, and peer providers – shared powerful stories and practical recommendations for mobile crisis teams engaging with individuals in crisis.
Each section highlights core themes, actionable strategies, and voices of lived experience to support more person-centered, culturally responsive crisis care. We encourage teams to use these insights in supervision, team meetings, and training settings to spark reflection, deepen learning, and strengthen crisis response practices.
Responding to Psychosis : A Tool for Mobile Crisis Teams
This visual learning tool follows a mobile crisis encounter, centering lived experience and the exchange between the crisis team and the individual. This tool is designed for teams supporting individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis as they move from dispatch to de-escalation to debrief, offering practical tips, strategies, and cultural considerations. While based on one story, the insights are widely applicable and encourage reflection on person-centered, culturally responsive care. This resource can be used in supervision, team huddles, or trainings to spark discussion and strengthen practice.
Recorded Trainings
Introduction to First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) for Mobile Crisis Teams
FEP and Mobile Crisis Assessment and Intervention Strategies
Follow-Up Check-Ins, Connection to Ongoing Services, and Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)
Cultural Considerations: Working with Diverse Individuals Experiencing FEP
Request Technical Assistance
Schedule time to meet with a specialist to discuss your needs planning, implementing, and expanding mobile crisis services in your county.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024, November). Scaling coordinated specialty care for first episode psychosis: Insights from a national impact model. https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Scaling-CSC-for-FEP-Insights-from-a-National-Impact-Model.pdf ↩︎