The CHR Service is dedicated to the early identification and treatment of people aged 14 to 29 who are at risk of developing psychosis. We try to identify and treat early signs of psychosis as early as possible.
Intended For
Young people:
Aged 14-29
Who are at risk of developing psychosis, and experiencing the following symptoms:
Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
Confusion about what is real or imaginary
Hearing voices or seeing things that aren't really there
Feeling that the world has become strange or unreal
Preoccupation with religion or superstitions
Feeling suspicious or paranoid - with insight
Disorganized speech, racing thoughts or slowed down thoughts
Problems with social activities at work or school
Mild withdrawal from family and friends
Symptoms must have started recently or worsened in the last year
Note - we cannot accept patients experiencing:
Full blown psychotic symptoms
Symptoms that might be related to another medical condition
Symptoms that are better explained by another diagnosis
Serious suicide or aggression risk
Referral Requirements:
Referrals from the CAMH Emergency Department only
Additional Referral Details
We accept:
Internal CAMH referrals
External physician referrals
Referrals from patients (self-referral) and/or family members, schools, and community agencies
Note – Patients must have a family physician or nurse practitioner in order to allow the best care.
Access CAMH: 416 535-8501, press 2 or Clinical High Risk Service: 416 535-8501, ext. 34841/37702
Types of Treatment and Services Offered
After the initial assessment, the clinic will work with the patient to develop a care plan and may offer the following:
Psychiatric monitoring
Medication management
Psychosocial interventions
When patients are discharged, we provide a transition plan that includes recommendations to the patient’s family physician, and other clinical services.
Early Identification
Psychosis happens when a person loses contact with reality and cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is not. Psychosis usually appears in a person’s late teens or early twenties. About three out of every 100 people will have a psychotic episode in their lifetime.
Mental and emotional changes are early signs that someone could be at risk for psychosis. These changes usually happen before more serious symptoms develop.
Mental and emotional problems are often like physical problems — the sooner they are treated, the better. In the past, it was common to delay active treatment until clear signs of psychosis appeared. However, the longer these early symptoms are left untreated, the greater the disruptions to the person’s ability to study, work, make friends, and interact comfortably with others.
People who have a family member with psychosis, who are now experiencing their own difficulty with functioning, may be at risk of developing psychosis and are encouraged to have their family doctor submit a referral.
For information about our Early Intervention Service for First Episode Psychosis, click here.