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Prevention & Early Intervention in Psychosis (PEPP)

Our Philosophy and Mandate

PEPP is designed to provide early detection, assessment and integrated medical and psychosocial treatment to individuals 16-50 years who have experienced a psychotic disorder for the first time. The program is based on a stress-vulnerability model for understanding the development and progression of psychotic disorders. A modified assertive community treatment model is used for delivery of care, and assessment and treatment are provided in the least restrictive environment, preferably the client's choice of environment.

The program promotes strategies likely to improve early recognition of psychosis in the community, improving the chances that individuals receive prompt assessment and treatment.

Psychosocial Interventions

PEPP delivers comprehensive medical and psychosocial services via a case management model of care including specific group interventions. Families are strongly encouraged to participate in the recovery of their relatives. A continuing care model is provided to clients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Please refer to our website for further PEPP information, including details on the interventions listed below. (www.pepp.ca.)

Specific interventions include family intervention in the form of individual contact and psychoeducational workshops on psychosis. Group interventions are RAP (Recovery through Activity and Participation), YES (Youth Education and Support), and COST (Cognitively Oriented Skills Training Group). The psychologist in PEPP provides Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Our Team

Our multidisciplinary team consists of Psychiatrists, Nurse Case Managers, Social Workers, a Psychologist and an Employment Counsellor.

Research

The PEPP research program is one of the world's leading programs in early phases of psychosis, especially in relation to early detection and outcome.

Referrals

Referrals can be made by patients, family members, health providers.

PEPP referrals may be made by:

Telephone:

519-667-6777

Fax:

519-667-6623 Attention: Intake Nurse Case Manager

Regular Mail:

PEPP Program
Mental Health Care Program
London Health Sciences Centre
800 Commissions Road East
London, Ontario
N6A 5W9

A formal screening procedure is conducted by an experienced clinician (a nurse case manager) when a young adult is identified with early signs of psychosis. An early intervention approach means responding within 1 - 2 working days with no waiting list.

Clients are eligible for this program if they:

• Are between 16 and 50 years of age
• Have never received antipsychotic drug treatment, or less than 30 days of antipsychotic drug treatment.
• Have no outstanding legal charges.
• Reside within our catchment area, London and Middlesex County
• Appear to present with symptoms of non-affective psychosis
• Are not developmentally delayed or have psychosis associated with brain injury, epilepsy or other brain disorders.

Referrals come from inpatient consultants and the community.

Inpatients:

The treating psychiatrist can contact an inpatient PEPP consultant on 8 Middlesex.

Outpatients:

The PEPP Program accepts referrals from family, self, physicians, schools, various community professionals and community partners.

If you are in crisis, depressed, or thinking of suicide you have options.