Coordinated Specialty Care – Community Integration (CSC-CI) Services is a federally funded demonstration project that provides early intervention services to individuals experiencing the signs and symptoms of psychosis for the first time. The program will serve individuals who are between the ages 15-35, have recently been experiencing unusual thoughts and behaviors or have started hearing/seeing things that others do not, typically interfering with work, school, or relationships. The onset of symptoms may occur from 1 week to 2 years prior to making a referral.
Research indicates that approximately 100,000 adolescents and young adults in the United States experience the initial signs and symptoms of psychosis each year, with the peak onset occurring between 15-25 years of age. Clinical trials have demonstrated that early intervention services for psychosis utilizing the Coordinated Specialty Care model can improve symptoms and restore adaptive functioning in a manner superior to standard care.
“Adolescence to adulthood can be a stressful time for many young people being faced with significant physical or emotional life changes.” stated Melissa Oparaku, Vice President of Outpatient Services for Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) at Care Plus. “When someone experiences the first signs and symptoms of psychosis, they don’t always understand what is happening to them. They may often feel or become further isolated and usually don’t know where to look for help.”
CSC-CI is an early intervention program; it includes a team-based and recovery-oriented approach, shared decision making, evidence-based practices, and collaborative treatment planning. The CSC multi-disciplinary team includes an Outreach and Referral Specialist, a Recovery Coach (Clinician), a Supported Employment and Educational Specialist, a Prescriber, and a Peer Recovery Specialist. The program offers a full spectrum of services including low doses of atypical antipsychotic medications, cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy for psychosis, family education and peer support, educational and vocational rehabilitation, as well as outreach and case management for youth, young adults, and their families.
“Our goal is to change the trajectory of the illness through timely treatment for the early onset of symptoms,” Oparaku explained. “We want to help these individuals identify their personal strengths and decrease the severity of their symptoms so that they can continue to pursue their occupational, educational and social goals.” With a specialized, multidisciplinary team approach to care, we are confident that we can help individuals recover from the severe psychological and distressing experience of psychosis.”
The CSC-CI Team builds partnerships with colleges and universities, high schools, hospitals and emergency rooms, psychiatric screening centers, the children’s system of care, intensive family support services and veteran’s organizations to build community awareness and identify appropriate referrals for the program.
Referrals are being accepted for the Northern NJ Region, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties.
The Care Plus CSC-CI offices is located at 17-07 Romaine St, Fair Lawn, NJ and 520 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ. Please call 201-986-5010 for more information or to make a referral.
