RESOURCES FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS & ALLIES

A great place to start is to get a clear understanding of what psychosis is and how it may appear in different people. You can learn more about psychosis and how to distinguish myths vs. facts on our website.

Language Matters

Talking about mental health openly is important and the words you use when talking about psychosis matter. Using the right language shows understanding when talking to someone with psychosis and helps us to break stigmas within our communities. Check out this resource from NAMI to learn more:

LANGUAGE MATTERS FLYER

A person experiencing symptoms of psychosis can greatly benefit from getting professional help. When you think something might be wrong with a youth’s mental health, it is better to act swiftly.

Three decades of research shows that specialized treatment as early as possible after one’s first psychosis episode improves outcomes across the board. It is important for people to understand that treatment at a general mental health clinic is NOT the same as receiving specialized treatment.

GETTING HELP EARLY

Ashley Weiss, Co-Founder of CALM and MPH-Medical Director/Attending Psychiatrist of the EPIC Clinic recently spoke at a senate hearing on youth mental health and the importance of early intervention.

WATCH NOW

A person with psychosis needs specialized treatment that is different from what one will receive in a general health mental clinic.

CALM works in partnership with the Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic (EPIC)-NOLA, a Tulane University affiliated specialty care clinic for people experiencing psychosis. They help adolescents and young adults understand, manage, and cope with psychosis experiences in order to get back to their everyday lives.

If you live in the New Orleans area,
Call 504-988-0301

Capital Area Human Services District
Parishes served: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana
Services provided: Medication management; community-based therapeutic intervention; peer support services; family therapy; case management; and a supportive, team approach to care.
Clinic Location:
2751 Wooddale Blvd., Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70805
225-925-1906 or 800-768-8824
http://www.cahsd.org/

Florida Parishes Human Services Authority
Parishes served: Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington
Services provided: Medication management with a physician, nurse practitioner, or medical psychologist; psychotherapy; family education and support; employment and education services; peer support services; and a supportive, team approach to care
Clinic locations:
900 Wilkinson St., Mandeville, LA 70448
985-624-4450
2331 Carey St., Slidell, LA 70458
985-646-6406
835 Pride Dr., Suite B, Hammond, LA 70401
985-543-4730
http://www.fphsa.org/

South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority
Parishes served: Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne
Services provided: Medication management with a physician or nurse practitioner; psychotherapy; family education and support; peer support services; and a supportive, team approach to care.
Clinic locations:
157 Twin Oaks Dr., Raceland, LA 70394
985-537–6823 or 800-840-7758
232 Belle Terre Blvd., Suite B, Laplace, LA 70068
985-651-7064 or 800-256-5508
1809 West Airline Hwy., Laplace, LA 70068
985-652-8444 or 800-709-2635
500 Roderick St. Suite B, Morgan City, LA 70380
985-380-2460 or 800-481-6882
5599 Hwy. 311, Houma, LA 70360
985-857-3615
http://www.sclhsa.org/

EpiCenter – Volunteers of America North Louisiana
Parishes served: Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Webster, Red River, Claiborne, Bienville, Sabine, Natchitoches
Services Provided: Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Medication Management, Individual, Group, and Family Education, Case Management, Supported Employment & Education
Clinic providing FEP services:
458 Herndon St. Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone:318-429-6938
https://voanorthla.org/

If you live outside these areas you can use this treatment locator OR browse this document for first-episode psychosis treatment programs in your state.

Finding insurance with mental health benefits can be helpful in covering costs for mental health treatment. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has resources available to help you find the right fit.

Consumer Guide to Disclosure Rights
Understand what information to request and questions to ask in order to determine which benefits will be paid for by your health plan.

Know Your Rights
This brochure lists some of the common limits placed on mental health and substance use disorder benefits and services and includes additional information on equal access to care.

LEARN MORE

When parents, teachers, or other figures suspect a child may need mental health care, they should seek a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional specifically trained to work with children and adolescents. For children experiencing symptoms of psychosis, look for a professional specialized in first-episode psychosis.

The evaluation process will directly involve parents and provide a full range of treatment options. Ongoing support from all parties is important for a child’s success. Be sure to follow up in order to learn what role you can play in the child’s emotional well-being.

LEARN MORE

Back to School can be a tricky time. Providing additional support for those experiencing psychosis can be beneficial to their success.

This back-to-school toolkit supports the Full Inclusion of Students with Early Psychosis in Higher Education and covers:

• Advanced planning
• Establishing relationships with Counseling and Administrative Staff
• Navigating Privacy Laws
• Academic Accommodations
• and more!

CALM’s partner clinic Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic (EPIC-NOLA) provides educational support in addition to other services.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a FREE virtual, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. This program not only provides information and evidence-based strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone. Learn more

CALM’s partner clinic Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic (EPIC-NOLA) provides support to patients’ families, caretakers, and significant others in addition to other services.

Lessening the stigma of psychosis takes an entire community. That’s why CALM was created. CALM exists to provide accurate information about psychosis especially, the first episode.

• Educate yourself on Society’s Role in Stigma and Mental Illness
• Know & share accurate information
• Volunteer your time with organizations like ours
• Donate money to organizations like ours
• Become a partner with organizations like ours

ABOUT PSYCHOSIS MYTHS VS. FACTS LEARN THE IMPORTANCE

NAMI Family-to-Family
A free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It not only provides information and evidence-based strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone.

SPIRIT Lab at the University of Washington
A variety of evidence-based family & caregiver support programs and webinars are available.

Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia Online Course
This four-week course will explore some of the key issues and questions relevant to a carer who is supporting a relative with psychosis. It also provides an opportunity to share your views and experiences with carers from around the world.

The American Academy of Childhood & Adolescent Psychiatry has an extensive library of trusted resources and accurate information.

For local information and resources, you can visit NAMI New Orleans.