Multidisciplinary Program Seeks To Prevent Impending Psychotic Breaks

In the New York Times (9/2) “Personal Health” column, Jane E. Brody writes about the Portland Identification and Early Referral (PIER) program at the Maine Health Center. Developed in 2001 by psychiatrist William R. McFarlane, MD, the program is based on the premise that an “impending psychotic break could be identified and prevented if it was recognized early and appropriate steps taken to head it off.” Now, “with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the model program has since been replicated at about 18 centers around the country, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration…recently authorized funds to establish 21 new sites.” The program “is multidisciplinary and relies heavily on multifamily group sessions.”  To view more information about the program CLICK HERE.