Service : Early Intervention in Psychosis and Mania Service for children and young people

Service overview

Our service helps young people (up to the age of 18) who may be experiencing psychosis or mania, or showing early signs of developing psychosis.

Psychosis is a term used to describe a range of experiences. These can include seeing or hearing things that aren't there, feeling very worried or scared, or having trouble thinking clearly.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, and they’re making everyday life difficult or upsetting, the Early Intervention in Psychosis and Mania team (EIP) can help by talking with you and finding out what support you need.

Accessing our service

You, a family member, or your doctor can refer you to the EIP team through the Berkshire Health Gateway Service. We’ll call you first to talk about your referral.

If we can’t reach you by phone, we’ll send you a text, email or letter. We’ll then arrange a face-to-face appointment within 14 days. You can choose to meet at home or at your nearest community health service base.

Make a referral

Suspected psychosis

You may be eligible to get help from our team if:

You’re seeing or hearing things that others don’t (known as hallucinations), and it’s upsetting you.
You’re finding it hard to do things at school, at home, or with friends.
You’re having unusual thoughts (sometimes called disordered thinking) that are making it harder for you to learn at school or get along with others.
You’re feeling confused or having trouble concentrating.

Suspected mania or bipolar

You may be eligible to get help from our team if:

You’re seeing or hearing things that others don’t (known as hallucinations), and it’s upsetting you.
You’re experiencing strong mood changes, like feeling very sad or excited. These strong feelings can make you act differently than usual.
You’re feeling very anxious or having trouble sleeping.

At risk of developing psychosis

You may be eligible to get help from our team if:

You’re feeling distressed.
You’ve stopped doing things you used to enjoy, like seeing friends, for at least a month.

You also have one or more of the following:

You’ve had mild but upsetting psychotic thoughts or feelings.
You’ve had brief but unusual psychotic feelings, that went away on their own.
A close family member, like a parent or sibling, has had psychosis.

Preparing for an assessment

Your assessment appointment may take one to two hours. You’re welcome to bring a family member or carer with you for support. You don’t need to bring anything special, but it can help to bring a list of your medicines.

You may be seen by another Children and Young People’s service. After your appointment, you will either be offered support from us for up to three years or until you turn 18. If another service is better suited to your needs, we’ll help with the onward referral.

You may be sent some questionnaires before or during the assessment.

Managing your health

Likemind

You can find helpful information and videos by visiting Likemind, a website created by and for people who use early intervention services for psychosis.

Learn more

REACT

Access the Relatives Education And Coping Toolkit (REACT), online resources for relatives and friends of people with mental health problems associated with psychosis or bipolar disorder.

Learn more

Your e-Health Passport

Your e-Health Passport lets us know what's important to you - from your preferred name and pronouns to how you'd like us to support you and communicate with you.

Learn more