About EAST

The EAST clinical team works to identify young people who are experiencing psychosis and to provide the information and support they need to continue on their life path. EAST is an early intervention program serving young people who have had a first experience of psychosis within the last twelve months.

EAST is sponsored by Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network, which is responsible for Oregon Health Plan mental health services in Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Yamhill Counties, in Oregon. EAST is considered a prevention program. Services are based on practice guidelines developed by the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Center (EPPIC) in Melbourne, Australia (www.eppic.org.au) and best practices being disseminated by the Federal Center for Mental Health Services.

Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network has adopted practice guidelines based on EPPIC which also begin to integrate the Evidence-Based Practices from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) EAST Practice Guidelines (download PDF)

Organizations participating in EAST include Salem Hospital, Linn County Mental Health, Marion County Adult and Children Behavioral Health, Marion County Psychiatric Crisis Center, Polk County Mental Health, Tillamook Family Counseling Center, and Yamhill County Adult and Children's Mental Health. EAST also offers training and technical assistance to individuals and organizations who are committed to providing effective services for young people with psychosis. EAST also works closely with partner organizations such as Chemeketa Community College, vocational providers, Willamette University, the YMCA and others.

EAST serves young people, most of whom are between age 12 and 30. It is a transitional program, serving people for up to two years.

The EAST clinical 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;
• Successfully transition young people to ongoing supports and services in the community;
• Continually solicit the learning of those we serve and integrate that knowledge into program development.

Some of the services offered by EAST include:

• Rapid access to psychiatric and counseling services;
• Education about causes, treatment, and management of psychosis; rights in employment, school and housing; and resources;
• Support and education groups;
• Support for vocational, educational, and independent living goals;
• Mentor and volunteer opportunities;
• Events which are both educational and fun in nature

Read more about our services

The EAST Community Network is open to anyone in the community who is committed to supporting young people with psychosis.

The Network serves the following purposes:

• Foster a community environment in which psychosis is recognized as a common and treatable medical condition;
• Help build a network of supportive families and community members who are committed to the success of young people with psychosis;
• Participate in community education, resource development, and networking to provide opportunities for employment, housing, mentoring, etc.