Coordinated services for young people having or at risk of a first psychotic episode

Nationally and locally, there is a growing need for specialized services for young adults with mental health and substance abuse needs. Traditional services designed for adults or for adolescents often do not meet the needs of people in this age group.

To serve this older youth/young adult population, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board launched the Turning Point program with multi-year grant funding from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The CSB was subsequently awarded a grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand services for those who are considered at risk for psychosis, from ages 14 to 25.

Turning Point provides a way to intervene rapidly after a first episode of psychosis, and to provide wraparound services for the young person with the goal of getting them re-engaged in the community and less dependent on a service system. The early intervention program helps the young people and their families understand and manage symptoms of mental illness and/or substance use disorder, while also building skills and supports that allow them to be successful in work, school, and life in general.

Does this sound like someone you love?

• Withdrawing from family and friends.
• Developing unusual thoughts or ideas.
• Difficulty thinking or having disorganized thoughts.
• Decreased energy or lack of motivation.
• Hearing or seeing things that other people don’t.

These may be signs of a more serious problem. If you are concerned about unusual thoughts or behaviors, consider taking a confidential, online screening (for yourself or a loved one). With treatment, these thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can improve over time.

Early treatment and care can make a lifelong difference.

Who is eligible for Turning Point?

To be eligible for Turning Point services, individuals must be:

• Residents of Fairfax County or cities of Fairfax or Falls Church.
• Willing to participate in services.

Turning Point – first episode psychosis track

• Adolescents and young adults ages 16 to 30.
• Within the past two years have experienced unusual thoughts and behaviors, or hearing/seeing things that others don’t.

Turning Point's coordinated specialty care program works with individuals who have experienced their first psychotic episode for a period of up to two years.

Turning Point – high-risk for psychosis track

• Adolescents and young adults ages 14 to 25.

Someone can be at risk if they have a relative with a diagnosis of psychosis or if within the last year they have experienced a change in behavior that is uncharacteristic or different from before, including:

• Difficulty forming thoughts/statements.
• New beliefs or behaviors that others may find unusual.
• Seeing, hearing, or experiencing things that others do not experience.
• Isolating themselves from friends/family or disinterested in social activities that used to interest them.
• Feeling less motivated or having a more difficult time getting normal activities done.
• Feeling numb or like emotions are not as strong as they used to be.

Services in the high risk program begin at a lower intensity and can be "stepped up" to include additional services as needed throughout the program.

Some individuals may move between services as their symptoms and needs change throughout their participation in the Turning Point program.

What is the goal of Turning Point?

To help young people understand and manage these experiences as well as to build skills and supports to improve their ability to work, go to school, live independently and have enjoyable relationships.

What does participation involve?

Individualized and flexible outpatient services, including:

• Case management.
• Individual resiliency training (skill teaching).
• Psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis).
• Multi-family psychoeducation.
• Supported employment and supported education.
• Peer support.
• Coordination with medication management.

Is there a fee?

Turning Point accepts insurance and there is a fee for services, based on a sliding scale.

How can I learn more?

Please call 703-559-3000 and ask for the Turning Point program, use the contact form below, or email CSBTurningPointCSC@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information.