Loading

Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) teams are specialized services for young people experiencing early symptoms of psychosis based on provincial standards (MOHLTC, 2011).

We offer:

  • Initial consultation and assessment
  • Individualized medication treatment
  • Psycho-education
  • Management of symptoms
  • Support and counseling
  • Case management
  • Ongoing risk assessments
  • Family education and support
  • Peer support
  • Recovery programming

The Early Psychosis Intervention Multi-Disciplinary Team (EPI MDT) is a partnership between SHIP, Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin (CMHA Peel Dufferin) and Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS).

This community team provides an easily accessible, stigma-free model of care to young people that meets their specific developmental needs. The EPI MDT’s goal is to improve outcomes for young people with psychosis through early identification, intervention and treatment tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, based on emerging best practices in clinical care and research.

Who Is This Program For:

  • Young people, aged 14-35 years of age
  • Experiencing psychosis – i.e., psychosis is the primary presenting issue (e.g., in relation to schizophrenia, schizophreniform, schizoaffective, bipolar I, psychosis not otherwise specified, substance-induced psychosis)
  • Has not previously received the full complement of early psychosis intervention care (i.e., general guidelines are for either no treatment or 6 months or less treatment for psychosis)

EPI MDT does not provide:

  • ACTT (Assertive Community Treatment Team) level care. Please consider a referral to SHIP ACTT
  • Supportive Housing – Please consider a referral to Supportive Housing or Peel Youth Village
  • Counselling for general youth mental health concerns where there is no concerns or query of psychosis. In Dufferin, please consider a referral to Dufferin Case Management.
  • Developmental Services – Please consider a referral to Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
  • Services outside the Peel and Dufferin catchment area. If you live reside outside our catchment there may still be an EPI team near you. Please visit to search the EPI Ontario Teams directory: https://help4psychosis.ca/help-near-you/

Additional Referral Details

We accept:

  • Referrals from physicians, individuals seeking service (self-referrals) and/or family members, schools, and community agencies

Referral Forms

All referrals are processed through SHIP Central Intake.

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Program Duration:

Up to 3 years for clients residing within the EPI MDT catchment area as clinically indicated. For clients who move outside the catchment area, after the initial assessment and necessary immediate intervention, we try to refer patients to their local early intervention service for ongoing treatment and follow-up.

Waiting Period:

We make an effort to offer a consultation within 2 weeks of receiving a referral. Referrals are generally contacted for initial eligibility screening within two business days of when the referral is received by Central Intake.

Locations and Contact Information:

SHIP

Main office:

60 Courtneypark Dr W, #2

Mississauga, ON L5W 0B3

Central Intake: 1-855-795-8742 or 1-905-795-8742

In Dufferin, we have two satellite offices:

1) 53 Zina St, Orangeville, ON, L9W 1E5

2) 167 Centre St, Shelburne, ON, L0N 1S4

Dufferin Access: 519-307-8700 

*Please note satellite offices are by appointment only. If you reside in Dufferin and are not connected with our services, please begin by contacting the Dufferin Access line (above).

EPI MDT Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

*Late appointments may be available to accommodate individual schedule needs (e.g., work and school).

IN CRISIS? EPI MDT is not a crisis service. If you are in crisis, please contact: 

24.7 Crisis Support Peel Dufferin 905-278-9036 or 1-888-811-2222 

If your situation is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

What is Psychosis?

  • A medical condition
  • A symptom, not a diagnosis

How does the First Episode of Psychosis look?

Is psychosis treatable?

Yes! Psychosis is treatable, people can and do recover!

  • The longer the duration of untreated psychosis, the higher the risk of:
    • derailing of life goals and functioning (e.g., relationships, school, work)
    • hospitalization
    • suicide
    • substance abuse
    • disability
    • involvement with the justice system.
  • The sooner one engages with treatment, the better!

EPI MDT Partners Contact Information

CMHA Peel Dufferin

Access: Intake, Information, Referrals
314 -7700 Hurontario Street
Brampton, ON, L6Y 4M3
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Phone: 905 451 2123
Email: info@cmhapeel.ca

https://cmhapeeldufferin.ca/programs/early-intervention/

PCHS

2980 Drew Road (Head Office)
Mississauga, ON, L4T 0A7
Phone: 905-677-0889
Fax: 905-677-9141
Email: info@pchs4u.com

https://www.pchs4u.com/

How To Apply

Service is available to individuals 14 – 35 years of age residing in Peel Region or Dufferin County showing recent symptoms of psychosis.

All referrals are processed through SHIP Central Intake

Other Programs

Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACTT)

Our supportive service is available to individuals between the ages of 16- 65 who are experiencing great difficulty in accessing or going into the healthcare setting.

Learn more
We can help with…
  • Clinical Mental Health Care
  • Employment
  • Financial
  • General Support & Assistance
  • Substance Use

Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO)

An evidence-based initiative that was created to enhance health care services for older adults in Ontario with complex and responsive behaviours.

Learn more
We can help with…
  • Clinical Mental Health Care
  • Senior Support
  • Substance Use