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Free Clinical Support & Consultation

HeadsUp Early Psychosis Mentor

Our mentor initiative

HeadsUp Early Psychosis Mentor is a free resource provided by HeadsUp for health professionals treating individuals experiencing first episode and early psychosis in Pennsylvania. We are a team of experts who support treating professionals by providing educational resources tailored to your question to aid you in caring for these individuals.

Watch and share this brief video about our mentor program.

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The service is free through the support of the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant Award Number SM063411-01, distributed through the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS). Our goal is to decrease the duration of untreated psychosis, improve care for those in treatment, and assist with getting individuals’ lives back on track.

Who we serve

HeadsUp Early Psychosis Mentor can only answer questions submitted by treating professionals working in Pennsylvania. If you are a loved one of an individual experiencing early psychosis reach out for help at one of our PA FEP Centers.

How the process works

Submissions will receive a completely confidential and evidenced-based email or phone call within 3-5 business days. To ensure the safety and privacy of the individuals you treat, we use a secure, confidential platform with NO identifying information asked for or permitted. Follow-up support calls or emails are available to ensure treatment confidence and comfort. Come back any time to ask as many questions as you like – there are no limits.

What topics can I ask about?

Providers can choose from a variety of topics or define one that is not currently listed. Topics include questions about therapy, recovery, psychopharmacology, education, family support and engagement, and more!

Sample Questions

  • Is hearing voices usually a sign of psychosis even in children and early teens?
  • When should I recommend clozapine, or a long-acting injectable antipsychotic?
  • What kind of psychotherapy is best for persons experiencing early psychosis?

For more sample questions click “READ MORE”

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SAMPLE QUESTIONS:

Diagnosis

  • Is hearing voices usually a sign of psychosis even in children and early teens?
  • How can I distinguish psychotic symptoms from trauma, autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or some combination?
  • What medical workup should I order for someone with possible psychotic symptoms?

Medications

  • Should I start an antipsychotic in someone who has mild psychosis symptoms but doesn’t meet criteria for a full-blown psychotic disorder?
  • When should I recommend clozapine, or a long-acting injectable antipsychotic?
  • What are special considerations in discussing medications with young people experiencing early psychosis?

Psychotherapy & Shared Decision-Making

  • What kind of psychotherapy is best for persons experiencing early psychosis?
  • As a therapist, how long/ often should I see someone experiencing psychosis?
  • How can we address common barriers to shared decision making in working with youth with psychosis?

Family Education

  • How can we engage families in the treatment process?
  • What role do families play in the treatment process?
  • How can I help a parent accept that schizophrenia or psychosis may explain their child’s symptoms?

Education and Employment Support/ Case Management

  • When should a young person recovering from a first episode of psychosis consider return to school or work?
  • How can we support a young person with psychosis to return to school or work?
  • Should someone with early psychosis engage in school support such as an IEP or 504?

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Support

  • As a CPS, how can I engage a person experiencing psychosis?
  • What supports can a CPS offer and not offer?
  • What are some evidenced-based approaches used by a CPS?

Substance Use

  • Why do many young people with psychosis use drugs/THC?
  • How do I help someone experiencing psychosis reduce or stop using drugs?
  • What special considerations are there for addressing substance use in young people with psychosis?

Access and Referrals to Clinical Care

  • There is no Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) program in my region, but I know a young person who could use a program like this -where can I refer them?
  • How can I find a provider (prescriber or therapist) willing and trained to see someone with psychosis?
  • How can I advocate for, or start, a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) program in my region?

Ready to ask a question?

We can’t wait to hear from you! You can access our submission by calling 1-833-933-2816 or  CLICKING HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can request a consult?

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Any health professional working in Pennsylvania, supporting individuals experiencing first episode/early psychosis. From clinicians and prescribers to peers and researchers, we are here to help all!

What can I ask about?

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Ask us about anything related to first episode or early psychosis. We have a list of topics to choose from or you can create your own.

Why should I ask you?

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Great question! We specialize in the areas of first episode/early psychosis which makes us uniquely qualified to support you in these specific needs.

Who will answer questions I submit?

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All questions are answered by clinical and medical experts in the treatment of first episode/early psychosis. The expert answering your inquiry will be specifically chosen based on the question asked.

How do you come up with your answers?

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We are immersed in the most up-to-date research, literature, and practice of first episode/early psychosis care and use this information to best answer your questions.

Do your answers change over time?

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As new research emerges answers may change. This is true for us as much as it is for you. We are committed to keeping our own knowledge and practice up to date as much as we are yours.

How will I receive an answer to my question(s)?

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Answers come via the contact information you provide. For web submissions, you will receive 3 emails: a confirmation, an answer to your question, and a “closed inquiry.” For phone submissions, you will receive a coordination call, then a call from the expert, followed by a “closed inquiry” summary email. Follow-up questions can be submitted separately, please reference your original subject request.

Can I respond to the email I receive?

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The emails you receive are sent from an unmonitored account which means we cannot see responses you send us. However, we do want your additional questions. Please submit as many follow-up questions as you have and provide the subject of your original inquiry in your title.

How many consultations can I request?

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You can request as many consultations as you would like. If you have questions about various topics, submit them separately as they may be answered by different experts.

What happens to the information and questions I share?

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Your information is stored on our secure server so that we can respond to your questions. None of your information is shared with any other party. A generalized version of your question and our answer may be added to our library (without any information about you), to help us build a more comprehensive resource for clinicians like you.

Is this a secure service?

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All information submitted to HeadsUp Early Psychosis Mentor is protected by a HIPAA capable security infrastructure. The only people with access to your information are those directly affiliated with HeadsUp Early Psychosis Mentor. None of your information will be shared with other organizations.

How can I become part of your team?

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Easy! Submit an inquiry referencing your interest and one of our team members will reach out to you. Be sure to provide all relevant contact information. If we are not on-boarding volunteers at that time, we will keep your information on file until we are.

Questions for HeadsUp?

Catherine (Cat) Conroy, M.Ed, Manager of HeadsUp
Neurodevelopment and Psychosis Section, Department of Psychiatry
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
10th floor, Gates Pavilion, HUP
3400 Spruce Street, Rm. 10054, Philadelphia, PA 19104
headsuppaorg@gmail.com

We are available during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) to answer any questions you may have about our organization or to direct you to programs in Pennsylvania that can offer clinical help.