SOC-CESS

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What is Psychosis?

The word psychosis is used to describe conditions that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. Psychosis often begins when a person is in his or her late teens to mid-twenties. Studies have shown that it's common for a person to have psychotic symptoms for more than a year before receiving treatment. Reducing this duration of untreated psychosis is critical because early treatment often means a better recovery. 

Youth can experiences a number of different symptoms and be determined at risk for psychosis. These symptoms can include hearing or seeing things, being suspicious of others, difficulty concentrating, and other varying symptoms. However, it should be noted that early intervention has been proven to be especially helping in decreasing the likelihood of youth having their first psychotic episode. The benefits of this are numerous but include less time spent in hospitals, more time in school, increased social functioning, and an increased chance of being able to maintain steady employment. We hope through the SOCCESS grant to utilize early intervention including youth and family psychoeducation, family support providers, youth peer support, clinical interventions, and changes in policies to work better with youth at risk of psychosis.

Many resources exist when it comes to early signs and symptoms of psychosis in youth.  Click Here for Resources.

What is SOC-CESS?

SOC-CESS stands for Systems of Care - Community for Early Signs and Symptoms.

SOC-CESS is a state-wide program for youth ages 9-17 and their families. SOC-CESS provides resources and early screening and identification for youth who are potentially at risk for experiencing psychosis and displaying early signs and symptoms.

What is a System of Care?

A key part of SOC-CESS is the SOC: Systems of Care. SOCs are composed of community members, families, youth, and more from a variety of backgrounds and organizations to share available resources and brainstorm solutions for families, youth, and clients in the community.

Three key principles that guide Systems of Care:

1. Family driven and youth guided, with the strengths and needs of the child and family determining the types and mix of services and supports provided.

2. Community based, with the locus of services, as well as system management, resting within a supportive, adaptive infrastructure of structures, processes, and relationships at the community level.

3. Culturally and linguistically competent, with agencies, programs, and services that reflect the cultural, racial, ethnic, and linguistic differences of the populations they serve to facilitate access to and utilization of appropriate services and supports.

Informational Webinars & Podcasts

SOC-CESS offers many helpful resources including webinars. Sign up to watch previous trainings that have been archived.  Note: You will be required to register for the webinar before you are redirected to the recording.

SOC-CESS strives to make as much information available when it comes to youth mental health, psychosis, and system of care. To do that, we created the SOC-CESS Podcast, which provides bite-sized episodes (around 20 minutes or less) that you can listen to and here from experts on a variety of topics. You can find the podcast on most platforms, including Spotify. 

Click here to listen. 

Outcomes

SOC-CESS Outcomes – The outcomes for SOC-CESS services have been extremely positive. A variety of treatments are provided when it comes to early intervention for early signs and symptoms of psychosis. These treatments include psychopharmacological services, family support services, evidence-informed family and individual therapies, and others. 96% of participating patients reported high satisfaction with services. Other outcomes that were achieved were increased school attendance, decreased juvenile justice involvement, strengthened support and engagement activities for families and greater overall independence.
Other studies have shown that early intervention services greatly reduced the effects of a first episode of psychosis, and in many cases prevented an episode from ever happening. Clients who received treatment for their early signs and symptoms were much better prepared in the event that they did have a first-episode of psychosis. For more information on SOC-CESS outcomes, click here for the SOC-CESS System of Care: Community for Early Signs and Symptoms 2016-2020 Report.

Services and Treatments

SOC-CESS has advanced many evidence-based practices, services, and treatments for those who may be at high risk of psychosis, or exhibiting early signs and symptoms. You can learn more about these services and treatments under our Resources page, where you can find downloadable rack cards and more. These services include:

  • Biofeedback - A way to learn to adjust how your body responds to different situations, like slowing down your heart rate. The skill taught in biofeedback helps you focus on making small changes in your body. It helps you recognize that you are able to make changes to the way your body feels and behaves.
  • GF-CBT and F-CBT – GF-CBT stands for Group and Family – Cognitive Behavior Treatment. F-CBT is similar but only includes Family. These therapies are used for youth aged 12-17 who are at ultra-high risk for psychosis. These groups will teach skills to help deal with paranoia or suspicious thoughts. GF-CBT sessions require both youth and their caregivers to participate in learning skills, although in separate groups. F-CBT focuses on working with clients in their homes, rather than a group.
  • SPARCS - Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress. The goal of SPARCS is to help individuals build on their strengths and ability to recover from tough times.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) - Virtual Reality is a world built in a computer that individuals use special goggles to view. These worlds have been carefully made to support therapy for anxiety disorders. The individual is exposed to a feared situation in a safe, controlled environment.
  • Prolonged Exposure (PE) - Proven to be effective at addressing trauma, and is best for young people between the ages of 12-22. Many people who have experienced a trauma try to avoid thoughts and feelings associated with that event such as situations, places, and activities. PE allows clients to confront those fears associated with their trauma.
  • Neurofeedback - Neurofeedback is a type of therapy that maps the activity of the brain to understand how different patterns of activity might affect emotions and behavior. It has been used to treat several common disorders such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and even stroke.

  • Youth Peer Support - Youth Peer Support Specialists are non-clinical individuals who walk alongside clients and provide one-on-one support, coaching, and advocacy. A YPS uses their lived experience to help clients who may be in similar situations. A key role of YPS is to encourage youth to advocate for themselves and use their voice. YPS also help with goal setting, navigating traditional systems, and much more. You can view our YPS Information Card. 

  • Family Support Provider - An FSP is similar to a YPS, but they work with the whole family to help navigate and achieve the goals and needs of the youth. FSPs also help families and youth use their voice in creating and fulfilling treatment goals. FSPs help build a support system as well as connect families to natural support systems within their communities. You can view our FSP Information Card.

SOC-CESS Manuals