The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health

Although most people think of psychosis as appearing “out of the blue,” this is uncommon. Most often, there are warning signs, months or years beforehand. Of course, these are easiest to recognize when looking back, but we are learning how to recognize warning signs when they first appear. Early recognition provides the best opportunity for early intervention and prevention of psychosis. It's important to know that some of these early changes are not specific to psychosis and may be the result of other mental health problems or a temporary reaction to stress. Visit CEDAR's website (www.cedarclinic.org) to learn more about early signs of psychosis, and contact M-PATH (https://lnkd.in/eDCXsbVH) if you are seeking help.

For some, the holiday season can bring anxieties or stress. Our clinicians shared advice for navigating these struggles and caring for your mental health. No matter how you feel this time of year, your mental health always deserves to be a priority. ??

A helpful way to understand psychosis risk is to compare it to lightning. In a thunderstorm, everyone may have some very small risk of being hit by lightning. However, people at the top of a mountain (especially if they are holding onto a metal pole!) or out in a boat on a lake are at higher risk than people low to the ground or in a car. It is still more likely that the folks at higher risk will NOT be hit by lightning than that they will be hit by lightning, but getting down off the mountain or off the water reduces their risk. Being at risk for psychosis is similar. We all probably carry some risk for psychosis, but some factors make people at higher risk than others. We now know that certain types or combinations of symptoms place someone at high risk to develop psychosis within the next year or more. However, just like with lightning, even those at high risk may still be more likely not to develop psychosis than to develop psychosis. They are just at higher risk than others (like the people at the top of the mountain or on a lake in a thunderstorm). Although we cannot yet predict with certainty who will and will not develop psychosis over time, we may have an opportunity to help someone not develop psychosis if we see him or her early enough. Getting help early is a little like getting off the mountain or lake in a thunderstorm. Learn more: www.cedarclinic.org

Remember you are important. You matter. ??

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Integrating mental healthcare into primary care settings is important, both in increasing accessibility and better serving people's needs, including identifying issues earlier. This study demonstrates that the general public supports this sentiment, with 7 in 10 Americans saying they would prefer that a healthcare provider asked about both their physical and mental health during appointments.? ? At The Brookline Center, we are invested in this integrated model of care. The Center’s Innovation Institute has piloted a new approach using the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), which integrates mental health services directly into primary care settings. CoCM is patient-centric and designed to identify and treat patients with mental health conditions through a team of healthcare providers working together to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care. Another way The Brookline Center is furthering efforts for integrated care is through the Early Psychosis Outreach Initiative—a partnership between the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and The Brookline Center's M-PATH program. The initiative seeks to strengthen the ability of primary care providers to support patients experiencing early psychosis. ? Learn more about the study's findings that support the need to move toward more accessible, integrated models of healthcare. https://lnkd.in/egUgcrr9

We are excited to share news that The Brookline Center has received funding from The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation?to support the Early Psychosis Outreach Initiative! In partnership with the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, The Brookline Center’s?M-PATH program?has launched the Early Psychosis Outreach Initiative?to strengthen the ability of primary care providers to support patients experiencing early psychosis. The initiative will focus on youth and young adults facing systemic inequities. Read more about M-PATH here: https://lnkd.in/eDCXsbVH https://lnkd.in/erivHWBg

What is M-PATH? M-PATH is a referral and consultation service available to anyone concerned about early psychosis for themselves, their loved one, or their client. We are an experienced team who specializes in working with youth, young adults, and families experiencing early psychosis. M-PATH serves clients across Massachusetts. Why use M-PATH? Navigating the mental health care system can be challenging and confusing, particularly when you are looking for specific information such as treatment for psychosis. We can help you figure out what kind of support might be most helpful for you right now. Learn more here! https://lnkd.in/eDCXsbVH

Important Announcement! Our Early Registration deadline has been extended until December 9! Register now to take advantage of this great discount: https://lnkd.in/exHXuA89 MMS Mediator Trainings teach skills that can enrich your interactions professionally, in your community, and at home. Some trainees go on to join MMS' panel of volunteer mediators, an exciting way to serve our communities. For more information, email [email protected] or call 617-241-0300.

Learn more about psychosis, symptoms, and treatment at CEDAR's website: www.cedarclinic.org And stay tuned for the program's new site coming soon!