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Early Intervention (In Psychosis) Service

We are a community mental health team covering Wellington, Porirua, Kāpiti, and the Hutt Valley.

We provide support, treatment and information to people aged between 13 and 25 who are experiencing psychosis for the first time or who have not previously had treatment for psychosis. We may support clients and their families for up to 2 years (or 3 years in certain cases).

How to access our service

Referral to this service can only be made through an MHAIDS clinician. Otherwise speak to your GP if you are concerned about yourself or someone else.  

If you or someone you know needs urgent help, call MHAIDS 24/7 on 0800 745 477 or find other options for support here.

What is psychosis?

Psychosis describes a number of experiences or symptoms that happen together. These may include hearing ‘voices’, having jumbled thoughts, having frightening or unusual ideas and having too little (or too much) energy. Psychosis can also cause changes in mood and behaviour.

What you can expect if you use our service

We can help you work out whether you are experiencing psychosis. We do this by talking with you and (if possible) with your family or other people who know you well and asking questions about what has been happening. This early stage of talking is called an assessment. You can come to our office, or we can come to you.

If the assessment shows you are experiencing psychosis we can work with you to develop a treatment plan. You will start seeing us for regular appointments. We encourage you and your family to take part in developing the treatment plan.

The team

Our team consists of psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists and Workfirst clinicians. We will allocate you a care manager who is your main contact at the service. They will co-ordinate the care you receive from us.

Education

An important part of treatment is learning about psychosis and the things that may trigger it. We can help you understand what you can do to stay well and what you can do if you have another episode of psychosis. We offer education individually or within a group.

Medication

People with psychosis often benefit from medication at some stage of their treatment. The psychiatrist you meet will check your general health and discuss the option of medication with you, explaining all the pros and cons. They will meet with you regularly to see how you are doing.

Other treatments

We offer talking therapies, group work, home visits, family support, help with education and employment, activity and music groups and more. Groups are a good opportunity to meet others, have some fun and try new challenges.

How to contact us

If you have already been referred to our service, please use the contact details below.

We are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm (closed public holidays).

Hania St is a 10-minute walk from Courtenay Place. There are car parks available at the front of the building. Alternatively, parking is available on Hania Street.

Last updated 12 June 2024.