Service overview
Psychosis a term that is used that covers a range of experiences, including seeing or hearing things that aren't there, feeling very worried or scared, or having trouble thinking clearly.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, are distressed by your experiences, and they are interrupting your ability to engage with life, you will likely benefit from being assessed by us at the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) Service.
Accessing our service
Our service is for people aged 18 to 65 who may be experiencing psychosis for the first time or who may be at risk of developing psychosis (showing early warning signs).
First episode psychosis
You may be suitable if:
- this is your first time experiencing psychosis
- the main issue is psychotic symptoms (like hearing voices or having unusual beliefs)
- you’ve had a noticeable drop in how you’re doing at work, school, or in relationships
At-risk mental state
You may be suitable if you:
- are feeling distressed
- are in younger adulthood (usually between 14 and 30)
- have had a drop in social activity for at least a month
And you also have one or more of the following:
- mild but upsetting psychotic-like symptoms
- brief psychotic symptoms that went away on their own
- a close family member (like a parent or sibling) who has had psychosis
Make a referral
You can self-refer to our service by contacting the Berkshire Gateway service, or a family member or friend, or your GP or other healthcare professional, can make a referral for you.
If you, your GP, or family member specify that a referral is being made to the EIP team, an EIP Team member will contact you with a telephone call. If we are unable to make contact, this will be followed up with either a text, email, or letter.
A face-to-face appointment will then be arranged within 14 days of your referral at your preferred location, either at home or at a community health service base near to you.
Preparing for an assessment
Your assessment appointment can take 1 to 2 hours, and you are welcome to bring a family member with you for support.
You don’t need to bring anything in particular, but it can help to bring a list of your medicines.
You will also be sent two brief forms to complete, one called Dialog and another called a ReQoL. This helps us identify your strengths and goals that you may like support with.
Following the appointment, you will either be accepted for intervention for a period of up to three years. However, if the team feel that another service may best support your identified needs, then we will complete the onward referral for this.
Managing your health
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 moreContact us and FAQs
The Gateway
Available 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
Contact number: 0300 365 2000 (option 4)
Email: gateway@berkshire.nhs.uk
Urgent support
East (Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead, Slough, and Bracknell)
Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team
Contact number: 0800 129 9999 Please listen carefully to the options to connect with the team in your area.
Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team
Contact number: 0800 129 9999 Please listen carefully to the options to connect with the team in your area.
Our locations
Church Hill House, Bracknell
Early Intervention in Psychosis Service
Post Address: RG12 7FR
Location detailsHillcroft House, Thatcham
Early Intervention in Psychosis Service
Post Address: RG18 3AS
Location detailsNicholsons House, Maidenhead
Early Intervention in Psychosis Service
Post Address: SL6 1LD
Location detailsProspect House, Reading
Early Intervention in Psychosis Service
Post Address: RG30 4EJ
Location detailsResource House, Wokingham
Early Intervention in Psychosis Service
Post Address: RG40 2BB
Location detailsFrequently asked questions
How long does the EIP service offer support?
We offer support for up to six months if you are at risk of developing psychosis, or up to three years if you meet the threshold of psychosis.
Who can use the EIP service?
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be experiencing psychosis for the first time can access our service.
If you are under 18, you can access support from the Children and Young People EIP team:
What kind of help does the EIP service offer?
We will provide you with a named worker from our dedicated team of specialist professionals.
You will be offered evidence-based treatment proven to reduce the risk of developing a long-term psychotic disorder, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family intervention, carers support and education, employment support, medication reviews, and physical health screening and interventions.
We can also help you with
Is there any information for friends, family and carers?
If you’re a family member/carer or you look after someone, there’s practical, financial, and emotional support available to you from a range of local communities and national organisations.
How do I request an interpreter?
We can provide language translation and interpretation support whenever you visit or contact us.
Tell our staff which language you prefer to use, and we will make sure the right communication support is in place for your assessment and treatment. Please let us know as early as possible so we can ensure the appropriate translation or interpreting support is available.
We offer a range of professional services to ensure everyone can understand and be understood:
- telephone interpreting
- video remote interpreting (VRI)
- face‑to‑face interpreting
- written translation
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
How can I get information in an accessible format?
Anyone with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss has the right to receive information in a format that meets their needs. Under the Accessible Information Standard (AIS)—a legal requirement for all health and adult social care providers—we must ensure that people who use our services, including carers and families, can understand the information we provide and communicate effectively with us.
We can offer information in a range of accessible formats, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- large print
- braille
- audio
- easy Read
- text message
- face‑to‑face support with a carer or advocate present
If you need information in any of these formats, please tell a member of our team and we will make sure your communication needs are met.
Are service dogs allowed to my appointment?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your registered service animal, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert dog, or other trained assistance dog to your appointment.
These animals are recognised as essential support and are permitted in most areas of our services.
To help us prepare, please let the team know before your appointment if you will be attending with a service animal. This allows us to make sure the environment is safe and comfortable for you, your animal, and other patients.
Please note that service animals may not be able to enter certain restricted clinical areas for safety or infection‑control reasons, but we will always work with you to find an appropriate alternative.
Treating our team with respect.
Respect is important.
We will be polite and kind and we expect that you treat our staff in the same way.
Abuse, hate and discrimination against our staff is unacceptable.
We will take strong action against anyone who is verbally, racially, physically, or sexually abusive to them.
This includes contacting the police to prosecute, and stopping future access to our healthcare services.
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