Early Psychosis Intervention Nova Scotia

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Psychosis Is Treatable, The Sooner The Better

Early Psychosis Intervention Nova Scotia (EPINS) is a provincial service and is a collaboration between Nova Scotia Health and the IWK. The goal of the service is to make sure that people and their loved ones can access evidence-based early phase psychosis care in their home community.

Clinicians specially-trained in early phase psychosis care are available across the province through community mental health and addictions programs and specialty clinics. 

Although psychoses are serious disorders, they are treatable. Our services are rooted in research that demonstrates that early detection and treatment can result in recovery. As a result, we provide quick and accessible assessment and treatment, and foster an attitude of realistic optimism.

Our Early Psychosis Patient & Family Guide includes information about what psychosis is, what causes it, what are the signs, and what you can do to help someone experiencing psychosis. 

Click here to watch our informational videos!

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a serious medical condition that causes changes in the brain. During an episode of psychosis, it can be hard for you to tell what is real and what is not. Symptoms include not wanting to be around friends and family (withdrawing), feeling paranoid or irritable, sleep changes, changes in behavior and mood, among many other things.

Our services  

EPINS treats people from the ages of 12-35 who:

• Experiencing psychotic symptoms or suspected psychosis
• have been diagnosed with early phase psychosis (like a first episode of psychosis, substance-induced psychosis, Schizophrenia) and live in Nova Scotia.
• Have been treated with anti-psychotic for less than 6 months.

With effective treatment, many people recover. Optimal treatment of first episode psychosis is comprehensive and individualized and involves family members since they are often the major caregivers and sources of support. Although the effective treatment of early psychosis is tailored to each person, there are some common features in each treatment plan including: medication, education, psychosocial interventions, support, and sometimes, inpatient care.

How do I access services?

If you suspect you, your child, or another loved one may be experiencing early phase psychosis (see definition below), you can refer to Early Psychosis Intervention Nova Scotia (EPINS) in one of three ways:

1. Ask your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or family practice nurse to make a referral.
2. If you already have a community mental health clinician, they can help get you connected to our services.
3. Call Central Intake for yourself or on behalf of a loved one.
   • If you are calling for yourself, you may get booked for an appointment with an EPINS clinician following your intake call.
   • If you are calling for a person you are supporting (child, friend, partner, etc.), the intake clinician will need to speak directly to the person themselves to get their consent to book an appointment.
   • If that is not possible, or the person is declining, you will be offered a chance to speak with an EPINS clinician for support and assistance trying to facilitate an appointment for the person you are calling about.

We welcome referrals regarding any suspected psychosis and are happy to offer consultation in cases where diagnosis is not clear.

Our referrals are open, meaning anyone can refer including self-referrals, family members, friends, teachers, counsellors, family physicians and health care professionals. Once you have been referred, a staff member from Intake Services or from your local clinic will call you. Services are offered to meet each patient’s specific needs. Please note: Telehealth (video conferencing) may be available.

What happens after you call?

• During this call the intake clinician will ask you questions about your sleep, your mental status, and your overall health. Some of the questions may seem odd or not important but they all help the clinician make a better assessment.
• During this call the clinician will help you determine if EPINS services are what you need, or if you would receive more appropriate care for your mental health at a different clinic.
• You may be scheduled for a phone call with an EPINS clinician to gather more information and/or help you speak to your loved one about their symptoms.

OR

• You may be scheduled for an in-person assessment at our clinic.
• You will be given a date and time by the intake clinician. It will be important that you attend this appointment as missing it may delay treatment.

What happens at an in-person assessment?

• When you come in to the clinic you will be asked for a health history regarding both your mental and physical health.
• The appointment can be 1 to 2 hrs.
• You can take breaks as needed.
• You can ask any questions or talk about concerns you have regarding your health.
• If you have a support person, they are welcome to attend and may be invited to speak to the clinicians (with your permission)
• The physician may want you to get bloodwork.
• You may be offered medication.
• There will be a plan made for your next appointment.

Interested in education for your organization?

We reach out to communities and individuals who may not be aware of our services or know what psychosis is. Our goal is to spread the word about early intervention services, especially to communities who have historically been marginalized and/or underserved. We work hard to build trusting relationships with community stakeholders so that they feel confident in referring to us. We provide education to other healthcare providers, universities/colleges, high schools, nonprofits, or any organization that serves youth and young adults. Please e-mail us at EPINS.INTAKE@nshealth.ca.