Early Psychosis and the Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) 

• Overview
• Current EASA sites 

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Overview

Early intervention in psychosis is a well-researched model that is based on the observation that identifying and treating someone in the early stages of a psychosis can significantly improve their longer-term outcome. The 2007 Oregon legislature funded EASA to bring the most current, evidence-based treatment to individuals in the early stages of illness. This approach advocates the use of an intensive multi-disciplinary approach during what is known as the critical period, where intervention is the most effective, and prevents the long term morbidity associated with chronic psychotic illness.

EASA uses evidence-based practices to do early assessment and intervention for young adults having their first experience with psychosis. Its primary purpose is to reduce the disability associated with psychosis. EASA offers early, effective care for schizophrenia and related disorders, through clinical teams in each county. Early intervention programs for this population is standard practice throughout the western world. The EASA model is based on the 7-year-old Early Assessment and Support Team (EAST) program provided by the Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network in Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Yamhill Counties; MVBCN currently provides EASA with technical support at all levels.

EASA provides (See brochure - PDF): 

• Rapid access to psychiatric and counseling services
• Education about causes, treatment and management of psychosis
• Coaching on rights regarding access to employment, school, housing and additional resources
• Family psycho-education and support groups
• Support for vocational education and independent living goals
• Access to local teams including psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and occupational therapists

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Current EASA sites

Clatsop County Project Intercept

503-325-5722

http://www.clatsopbh.org/intercept.html 

Columbia County EASA

503-397-5211 ext. 282

http://www.ccmh1.com/Med/easa.html 

Deschutes County EASA 

(also serves Jefferson and Crook Counties)

541-322-7583

http://www.deschutes.org/index.cfm?objectId=DE4FA5BC-9027-D5E6-3DAA23ED1063EC04 

Mid-Columbia Center for Living EASA 

(Serves Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties)

541-296-5452 or 541-386-2620

http://www.mccfl.org/services_mental_adult.htm 

Multnomah County EASA

503-988-EASA (3272)

http://web.multco.us/mhas/early-assessment-and-support-alliance 

Union County: Center for Human Development EASA

541-962-8855

http://www.chdinc.org/easa.asp 

Washington County LifeWorks Northwest EASA

503-705-9999

https://www.lifeworksnw.org/Locations/FindaService/tabid/108/cty/2/svc/35/age/4/Default.aspx#page3 

EAST program and statewide technical assistance center

(direct service to Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook, Yamhill Counties)

888-327-8817

503-480-5122

fax 503-584-4837

www.eastcommunity.org

Addictions and Mental Health Division contact

Damien Sands, Young Adult Services Coordinator

Phone: 503-947-5538

Fax: 503-947-5043

damien.j.sands@state.or.us  

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