For one Oregon family living outside of Roseburg, life as they knew it took a tumultuous turn when their 20-year-old son began experiencing symptoms of early psychosis.
(To protect the family’s privacy, this article will refer to the parent as “Michelle.”)
“I felt totally blindsided,” Michelle said. “We didn’t know what it was or how to handle it, and we were searching for someone who knew what was going on.”
Michelle immediately sought help for her son, as any parent would, but finding resources was a struggle. She was initially told by health care providers that it would be at least three months before her son could see a psychiatrist for treatment even after a stay in the local emergency room.
Then, Michelle discovered the Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA)—a nationally recognized program funded by Oregon Health Authority (OHA) that connects young people and their families to critical early psychosis treatment and support. It became the turning point her family desperately needed.
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“Once we found EASA, we were given hope that people recover from this and could come back to where they once were,” Michelle said. “They gave us the expectation that he can come back from this.”
EASA is a program designed to help young people (typically between ages 12-27) who are experiencing early signs of psychosis. It provides early intervention and critical support in the community where the individual lives.
Just days after Michelle found the program, her son had an appointment with a psychiatric nurse practitioner who began treatment.
“That rapid access to care, being contacted by a team within two business days of referral is a big part of the EASA model, which seeks to reduce the duration of untreated psychosis,” said Christie Taylor, young adult services coordinator at OHA. “It’s important from a human impact perspective and for preventing trauma.”
EASA offers comprehensive support including counseling, peer mentorship, assistance returning to school, and help finding a part-time job. Most people stay in the program for up to two years.
Oregon is the first state in the nation to implement a statewide early psychosis intervention program through EASA. The program began in 2001 and expanded statewide in 2008.
“Early intervention minimizes disruptions in their life that they might see if they do not receive this kind of specialty services early on,” Taylor said. “We know from a lot of studies that early intervention programs like EASA can help young people stay engaged in their communities, employment, school, and reduce hospitalizations and chronic disability over the lifetime.”
The path forward may be uncertain and include setbacks, but support continues. For this Oregon family, treatment has provided opportunities and stability. After engaging in individual and family therapy, and extensive treatment, their son has recovered.
“He’s doing really well,” Michelle said. “It’s been a few years since this happened. He’s finishing school and has a part-time job. I would say he has recovered.”
The statewide reach of EASA is vital because behavioral health care can be more difficult to find in rural counties. Services are available to all people ages 12-27 (and expanding to age 30 in July) living in Oregon, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Learn more by visiting the EASA website here.