Individual Resiliency Training

Individual Resiliency Training (IRT) -Training to provide skills and information for managing symptoms - This program is designed to help participants set personal goals.  It will also provide participants information and skills about the management of their illness.  Additional programs are available in IRT that can help to reduce stress, cope with symptoms, deal with drugs or alcohol if those are problems, and improve social relationships. IRT sessions take place every week or less often, depending on the participant’s preference. Participants determine the length of the IRT program and it may be as short as several weeks or as long as the participant is active with ETCH.

Medication Management

Medication management visits - There are a number of medications that have been shown to be effective for treating the symptoms of psychosis. The ETCH prescriber will prescribe a medication for the participant based on his/her symptoms and any other information obtained from interviews. Symptoms will be evaluated at every visit with the prescriber. This prescriber will assess if the medication is right for the participant. Medication will be changed if the participant and the prescriber feel a change is needed, based on symptoms and experiences.

Supported Employment & Education

Support for going to school or work - A supportive employment/education specialist will be available to assist the participant in trying to enter/return to school or get a competitive job. ETCH cannot guarantee jobs for participants but will try to help participants find a job. The decision to go to school or work, the types of classes or jobs sought, and the types of support provided by the specialist are choices made by the participant. Support will continue to be available after a participant has started school or a job.

Family Support 

Education program for participants and their families about how to manage the participant’s health – The family education and support program includes the participant and his/her relatives or other significant persons in their lives. The aim of the education program is to support the participant’s progress towards goals and recovery. The program provides education to family members about the management of psychosis, the prevention of relapses and hospitalizations, and improving the participant’s functioning. Family members usually attend sessions on a weekly basis for 4-6 weeks though scheduling and frequency of appointments is flexible. Additional sessions may be provided if needed.