Referrals can be made by anyone (Individual, Family member, or Provider) by calling 412-647-4321, emailing hopeteam@upmc.edu OR by completing our Online Screener and requesting to be contacted.
Hope Team treats young people ages 10-27 who are experiencing unusual experiences including seeing/hearing things, being suspicious of others and/or feeling like their surroundings are off or unreal in some way.
The Hope Team works with young people who are at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-p). CHR-p is when an individual is experiencing unusual experiences that do not meet criteria for a psychotic disorder. Some examples of unusual experiences including seeing/hearing things that others do not notice, feeling suspicious of others and/or feeling like their surroundings are off or unreal in some way. Unusual experiences look different for every person.
If we believe the young person may meet criteria for a psychotic disorder (ex: Schizophrenia), we will refer the person to a local clinic for more focused treatment.
Family support and education about Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-p) is an essential part of treatment for young people. The Hope Team offers sessions for family members and support persons to discuss their care and how to best support their loved one.
The research has shown that young people at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-p) have better outcomes when they engage in early treatment.
Unusual experiences are closely linked to stress. The Hope Team works on developing coping skills to manage everyday stressors.