Service Users

Early on - what to expect

This section of the website is aimed primarily at service-users and those caring for them. We hope it will give you some idea of what to expect coming into the service, as you may well have lots of questions. It also contains advice on helping yourself, as well as information on news and events within the service.

The course of Recovery

A great deal is now known about ways in which people with psychosis can be helped to recover and stay well. Recovery is a gradual process, and different things work for different people at different times. Treatment and support is about finding out what works for you.

Care co-ordinators

Early on, you will be appointed a care-coordinator. Your care-coordinator is the person responsible for keeping in touch with you and ensuring you get the support you require. The care co-ordinator may put you in touch with other professionals and services to help meet your specific needs. They are the first port of call if you have any questions or concerns. If you live at home, early intervention workers in the community will usually arrange frequent meetings to see how you are getting on and provide whatever help and support is needed.

Assessment
 
The first stage of treatment involves assessment. Your care co-ordinator will arrange an interview with you to get to know a bit about you - your background, experiences, interests and plans. There will also be a medical assessment to check for any physical causes. The assessment allows staff to develop a good understanding of your problems, needs and requirements, so that they can decide how best to help. At Camden & Islington EIS, the assessment period lasts 8 weeks.
 
What comes next?
 
Your care co-ordinator will work closely with you and other people supporting you to decide on a plan for your care. A range of treatment options are possible, depending on your needs (see Treatment and Support page for more information), and regular meetings will be held to review how things are going and to decide how to proceed.