Texas health leaders expanding early psychosis treatment

Abstract

Texas will soon have 23 sites offering mental health services to young adults experiencing early‐onset psychosis, KTAB News reported July 23. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC's) Coordinated Specialty Care Program is adding 13 new sites this year with help from a $4 million mental health block grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “It's critical we reach people early in their diagnosis to create the best opportunity for recovery,” Sonja Gaines, HHSC deputy executive commissioner for intellectual and developmental disability and behavioral health services, said in a released statement. “Connecting people with the right treatment and support can be life changing and dramatically alter the trajectory of a person's future.” Coordinated specialty care helps people ages 15 to 30 years old who have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder within the last two years. A team of specialists provides medication management, case management, employment and education support, and additional health care. Since 2014, the HHSC's Coordinated Specialty Care Program has helped Texans graduate from high school and college, find stable housing, maintain employment and get on track with independent living.