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. To view the guide, click here: Early Psychosis (nshealth.ca)

Our Services  

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 (Hospital) Care.

Click here for children and youth IWK inpatient information: The Garron Centre for Child & Adolescent Mental Health (acute inpatient services) | IWK Health

Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program (NSEPP)

Located in Halifax, NSEPP serves those aged 12-35 years residing in Halifax Regional Municipality. NSEPP helps young people experiencing their first episode of psychosis by offering a specialized, community-focused mental health program. If you reside in the Halifax Regional Municipality and want to learn more about NSEPP, click here: About the Program - NS Early Psychosis Program - Dalhousie University

How do I access 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.

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.

Adults (19-35 years old)

If you live in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), service is available through the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program (NSEPP). To make a referral, call 902-473-2976.

If you live outside the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), you are welcome to call central intake to refer at 1-855-922-1122.

Children and Youth (12-18 years old)

Treatment for children and youth is available at Nova Scotia Health and IWK. The IWK Early Psychosis clinic is part of EPINS and is a specific care clinic offering consultation, assessment, and treatment.

If you live in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), service is available through the IWK. You can contact Central Intake at 1-855-922-1122. Click here for more information regarding IWK Mental Health services: Mental Health Support | IWK Health

If you live outside of HRM, service is available through NSH local mental health clinics. Click here for more information about Community Mental Health services: Child and Adolescent Services

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.

If your organization is in HRM, please call 902-473-2976.

If your organization is outside of HRM, please call 902-221-8186.