Early Psychosis and the Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA)
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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
Clackamas County
LifeWorks NW
17070 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Milwaukie, OR 97267
Fax: 503-594-1773 |
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Clatsop County
Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare
2120 Exchange St., Suite 203
Astoria, OR 97103
Fax: 503-325-8483 |
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Mid-Columbia Center for Living
http://www.mccfl.org/services_mental_youth.htm
Hood River office:
1610 Wood Ct.
Hood River, OR 97031
Fax: 541-386-6075
The Dalles office:
419 E 7th St.
The Dalles, OR 97058
Multnomah County
Multnomah Co. Mental Health & Addiction Services
http://web.multco.us/mhas/easa
Lincoln Building:
421 SW Oak St., Suite 520
Portland, OR 97204
Main Office Phone: 503-988-5464, Ext. 24303
Fax: 503-988-5870
Rockwood Community Health Center:
2020 SE 182nd Ave. #L104
Portland, OR 97233
Main Office Phone: 503-988-5464, Ext. 23671
Fax: 503-988-4680 |
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Tillamook County
Tillamook Family Counseling Center
906 Main Ave.
Tillamook, OR 97141
Main Office Phone: 503-842-8201 or 800-962-2851
Fax: 503-815-1870
http://tfcc.org/menhs.htm |
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Yamhill County
Yamhill Co. Adult Mental Health
627 NE Evans St.
McMinnville, OR 97128
Main Office Phone: 503-434-7523
Fax: 503-434-9846 |
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State of Oregon
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
Greta Coe, CPS
Addictions Business Analyst
Addictions and Mental Health Division
500 NE Summer Street, E86
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-945-6187
Fax: 503-378-8467
Greta.l.coe@state.or.us
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