Lay summary
Early intervention for psychosis (EIP) is a ground-breaking treatment model providing holistic wraparound services for people experiencing early symptoms of psychotic disorders, and drastically improves outcomes for this population.
Unfortunately, these intervention models were developed overseas, and do not account for the unique sociocultural landscape of Aotearoa. This community-informed project will examine the state of EIP in Aotearoa from the perspectives of those with lived experience, whānau and clinicians using a mixed-methods approach.
EIP services in Aotearoa will be surveyed to understand service models, how cultural perspectives and peer voices are integrated into services, and barriers to providing optimal care. Those with lived experience and their whānau will be interviewed about their experiences of EIP in Aotearoa.
Outcomes include building vital relationships between researchers, services and those with lived experience, and contributions to mental-health policy development. Findings will provide the basis for developing an Aotearoa specific model of EIP.