LUCERNE, Calif. – Lake County Behavioral Health Services has been awarded $2 million to expand early psychosis intervention services through a competitive grant.
This grant opportunity came through the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission, which also oversees Mental Health Services Act funding for California counties.
Behavioral Health Services has long provided services to young people experiencing the early onset of psychosis, as well as other behavioral or emotional challenges.
Officials saisd this grant will facilitate a significant expansion of services in line with an evidence-based fidelity model.
Significant growth is expected in the following areas:
– Clinical training on cutting-edge, evidence-based practices for this population;
– Training on community screening and identification of youth experiencing the early onset of psychosis;
– Supported employment;
– Co-occurring substance use disorder services;
– Psychoeducational groups for families, caregivers and parents; and
– Psychoeducational and wellness groups for youth.
Symptoms of psychosis can appear in childhood and adolescence, and may or may not lead to a life-long mental illness.
The goal of early intervention services is to effectively treat and hopefully prevent these symptoms from becoming a chronic illness.
It is estimated that 5 to 8 percent of the general population may experience symptoms of psychosis in a given year, and there may be an even higher incidence in children and adolescents.
Signs and symptoms of psychosis may include:
– Hearing, seeing, tasting or believing things that others don’t;
– Persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs that can’t be set aside regardless of what others believe;
– Strong and inappropriate emotions or no emotions at all;
– Withdrawing from family or friends;
– A sudden decline in self-care;
– Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating.
Behavioral Health Services will begin implementation of this grant later this year, and project implementation will take place over four years.
The agency said this is an exciting opportunity to expand and improve our services to young people in Lake County.
“Lake County Behavioral Health Services strives to provide the highest quality behavioral healthcare to some of our most vulnerable community members,” the county said in a written statement.
For more information, contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 707-274-9101 or 707-994-7090.