TORONTO — The Ontario government is partnering with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to expand access to the provincial Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program. The expanded EPI program will connect more people aged 14 to 35 who are experiencing early phase psychosis to the care they need, when they need it.
“Our government is taking action to improve access to mental health support services that better reflect the needs of people and their families who are experiencing mental health challenges,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By expanding the Early Psychosis Intervention program, we are ensuring those experiencing some of their first mental health challenges can connect to the care they need earlier on their journey to wellness.”
The EPI program helps diagnose psychosis early and provides timely access to individually tailored and age-appropriate mental health services that can help people live functional lives, such as returning to school, work and building social relationships. The program, in partnership with the Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition at CAMH, will develop supports and resources to deliver evidence-based, standardized care.
“Supporting people living with mental illness is a priority for our government and we are working every day to ensure people across Ontario have access to the services and resources they need to manage their mental health and live fulfilling lives,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “By investing in community supports like Early Psychosis Intervention, we are making sure Ontarians have the resources they need that make a difference in their lives.”
Through Your Health the government is making it easier for people of all ages to connect to the care they need, when the need it. In 2020, the province introduced the Roadmap to Wellness, a plan to build a modern, world-class mental health and addictions system. The government continues to introduce and expand on innovative new programs to ensure access to connected and convenient services to support the health and well-being of all Ontarians.