An Early Intervention in Psychosis Service for adolescents

Aims: To describe a service operating in Teesside, England, that provides early intervention for young people aged 14-18 years at high risk of, or affected by psychotic illness. Methods: The Service Delivery Model for evaluating and managing young people referred to the service is described. In addition, data routinely collected as part of performance management are presented. Results: During 2006 42 young people were referred to the service of which 29 were accepted. At the end of 2006 the team active caseload was 22 patients. Conclusion: An 'adolescent-specific' team as part of a 14-35 Early Intervention Service appears to be a feasible and sustainable development and may confer advantages over less age-orientated care.