Getting Help Early for Psychosis

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Local Resources

United Parents: Parent mentors, local support groups and referrals, respite and parenting workshops - Call (805) 384-1555 or click here

Interface Children & Family Services: Call (805) 485-6114 or click here

Aspiranet: For families at risk of out-of-home placement; foster care and adoption services - Call (805) 289-0120 or click here

Family Urgent Response System (FURS)
Call or text: 1-833-939-FURS (3877)
The Family Urgent Response System (FURS) is a free 24/7/365 hotline for current or former foster youth to call and receive immediate help for either non-urgent or urgent matters
www.Cal-FURS.org

Kids & Families Together: For children and their families, including kinship and foster caregivers - Call (805) 643-1446 or click here

City Impact: Counseling services and early intervention and prevention programs. Call (805) 983-3636 or click here

Casa Pacifica: Services include residential for children and non-public special education and therapeutic preschool - Call (805) 445-7800 or click here

Helping your child succeed at school: Ventura County SELPA - Call (805) 437-1560 or click here

For assessment and referral: Call the VCBH STAR Team at (866) 998-2243.

There is a program in Ventura County to help identify and get help for psychosis early. If you or someone you care about shows possible signs of psychosis (and is between 16-25 years old), call (805) 642-7033 or click VIPS for more information. The VIPS program is offered by Ventura County Behavioral Health in partnership with Telecare Corporation.

SYMPTOMS TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT

The following symptoms may be a temporary reaction to major stresses or other causes. However, it is possible that they are early signs of a developing psychotic illness. If it's a mental illness, the most likely ages to develop symptoms is between 16-25. They can include:

  • Hearing, seeing or feeling things that others don’t perceive
  • Difficulty in focus, concentration or memory
  • Feeling overly fearful or suspicious
  • Changes in sensitivity to light, sound or touch; decreased sense of smell
  • Difficulty with conversations or being understood
  • Dramatic changes in behaviors, ideas, sleep or appetite
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Deterioration in school or work functioning
  • Suicidal thoughts

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF PSYCHOSIS? IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET HELP EARLY.

VIPS (Ventura early Intervention Prevention Services) is a program in Ventura County which helps identify and get early help for psychosis. If you or someone you care about is showing some of the signs listed below (and is between 16-25 years old), please call (805) 642-7033 for a confidential assessment.

Early treatment can make a big difference and slow the progression of psychosis. If you think it might be a problem for you, a family member or friend, don't wait!

WHAT VIPS DOES

The VIPS team is trained to assess young people experiencing possible early warning signs of psychosis. If treatment is needed, they assist young people and their families to build coping skills, reduce stress, and increase performance in all areas of their life.

What participants say:
“Everyone cared and made me feel accepted no matter what I was thinking or feeling.”
“The advice I receive is always geared toward me – not just generic platitudes.”
"I am just so grateful for these services. They have helped me a lot.”
VIPS also educates community members who can help identify young people who seem to have early symptoms of psychosis. Community members can include staff at high schools, colleges and community centers, healthcare professionals, spiritual leaders and law enforcement.

The VIPS program is offered by Ventura County Behavioral Health in partnership with Telecare Corporation.

For more information or a confidential assessment for ages 16-25, call VIPS at (805) 642-7033. For ages under 16 or over 25, talk to your healthcare provider or call the VCBH STAR Team at 1-866-998-2243.