Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA)
Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) is a nationally recognized program through which a clinical team (occupational therapist, mental health counselor, psychiatrist, peer recovery specialist, employment and education specialist) identifies young people who are experiencing psychosis and provides the information and support they need to continue on their life path. EASA serves young people, most of who are between age 12 and 25, who have had a first experience of psychosis within the last twelve months. It is a transitional program, serving people for up to two years.
Psychosis is a symptom of mental illness rather than the name of a medical condition itself. Broadly speaking, it means a loss of contact with reality, for example seeing, hearing, feeling or tasting things that other people don’t. Anyone can develop psychosis. Psychosis is common and treatable. It affects 3 in 100 people, and usually occurs for the first time between the ages of 15 and 30. Men often develop psychosis 5 to 10 years younger than women. Research indicates that it can be caused by a variety of medical illnesses, sleep deprivation, severe stress or trauma, drug reactions, genetic predisposition, and other factors.
The EASA team works to achieve the following:
- Identify people who are experiencing psychosis as early as possible;
- Establish a trusting relationship based on respect and genuine belief in the person's ability;
- Provide a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the person's medical condition, strengths, goals and needs;
- Stabilize the person's symptoms and living situation;
- Preserve the person's family and informal support;
- Help the person and family develop the skills, knowledge and social support needed to be successful in managing the condition in the long-run;
- Services and supports are offered to help support the individual to continue with their life’s goals of work, school, social and recreational activities.
For more information on EASA and the signs and symptoms of psychosis go to: