Early intervention showing positive results.

In September, the staff of Felton Institute’s Prevention and Recovery in Early Psychosis (PREP) and Bipolar Disorder Early Assessment and Management (BEAM) Programs had the honor and privilege of celebrating the graduation of 10 program participants.

The graduates and staff were joined by family members of the graduates as well as those of current program participants who experienced renewed hope of recovery as they listened to the graduates describe their journeys. It was an exciting evening filled with hope for the future!

We look forward to our next graduation scheduled for January 19, 2017, when nine more program participants will be recognized for their accomplishments during treatment and will be celebrated into their next phase of their journey of recovery.

Felton PREP is a Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funded Early Intervention Program that works with residents of San Mateo County, between the ages of 14 and 35 who are experiencing the onset of psychosis and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders for the first time within the last two years. Additionally, PREP works with boys and girls as young as 12 years old who are identified as being at risk for developing psychosis.

Felton BEAM is an Early Intervention Program for San Mateo County residents between the ages of 14 and 35 who are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and have had fewer than three manic episodes or who have experienced affective psychoses such as Major Depression with Psychotic Features for the first time within the past two years. The program is funded by Measure K, a half-cent, voter-approved countywide sales tax to support essential County services and to maintain or replace critical facilities. 

All Felton Institute PREP and BEAM program participants receive a thorough diagnostic assessment and specialized individual therapy. They have access to medication management, case management, occupational and educational support, peer support, and family support, as desired, for up to two years. The goal is to achieve lasting recovery and to foster skills to manage potential residual symptoms.

For more information, to make a referral, or to schedule a presentation, contact Bruce Adams at (650) 458- 0026 or badams@felton.org or visit www.prepwellness.org.

- Bruce Adams, Felton Institute 

This article originally appeared in the January 2017 edition of Wellness Matters, an e-journal of San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.