Our services - PEPP-MUHC

Services for patients and families

Services at Prevention and Early Intervention for Psychosis

Services offered

Comprehensive treatment for psychosis is best achieved through a team-approach. It includes case management, medication and support through many different therapies. The approach for your loved one will be individualised based on their need. We strive to provide the best evidenced based treatments that have been proven to work at other PEPP programs in the world. These include

  • Rapid assessment and initiation of treatment
  • Integrated Approach
  • Community-based Case Management
  • Family and Individual Psychoeducation
  • Group Interventions
  • Individual Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive Remediation Therapy
  • Music Therapy
  • Continuous Case Review
  • RTP Program, a peer support-based program 
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Who is eligible

The PEPP- MUHC accepts referrals from the community (consumers, families, health care professionals, schools), who are living within a close proximity to MUHC. We follow patients for 2 years, and then refer them to either first- or second-line services for further follow up and treatment. For patients who are under 17, please refer to the PEPP program at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. “Patients residing closer to another PEPP program in the Greater Montreal Area who would be better served by the proximity of those services, are encouraged to contact the PEPP program close to their home. A list of PEPP programs in Quebec can be found on the AQPPEP website.”

AQPEPP resources

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Young woman reading on a tablet.

Screening assessment for eligible candidates

The screening clinician will respond to the patient or referral source within 5 working days, but often within 48 hours. If there is any indication that the person may be experiencing psychotic symptoms, a screening interview will be offered.

 

How can I support my loved one in the presence of Symptoms?

Hallucinations or delusions:

  • Recognize the emotions experienced (do not invalidate their experience)
  • Reduce stimuli
  • Distractions (earplugs, music, videos, etc.)
  • Relaxation exercises
  • Provide reassurance regarding their safety
  • « In case of need » medication

Negative symptoms :

  • Be patient (takes longer to recover)
  • Encourage participation in activities and in socializing
  • Accept refusal
  • Recognize the effort needed for the activation

Cognitive symptoms:

  • Limit choices
  • Short and clear sentences
  • Ask to repeat to make sure they understand
  • Remove distractions when needs to focus.
  • Adjust your expectations

Research and innovation

We are affiliated with PEPP-Montreal at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute and with the FEP-program at the Jewish General Hospital, both of McGill University. Together we carry out a number of collaborative research projects to better understand the nature and treatment of first episode psychosis. Patients and/or their families are not required to participate in a research project to be admitted to PEPP. Research participation is voluntary.

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Answers to your questions

Can I come with somebody to the assessment?

Absolutely. You are in fact encouraged to bring a family member or friend with you, but you can also decide to come alone. It is up to you.

Will the information I provide by kept confidential?

Yes. The information in your file is kept confidential according to the laws of Quebec.

Who will I see?

On your first visit, you will see one or more of the team members listed above.

If I use drugs, including cannabis, can I still come for an evaluation?

Absolutely.

If I cannot wait to be seen and feel I need to speak to someone right away what are my options?

If you cannot wait to be seen, then we encourage you to go to the emergency room of the Montreal General Hospital or your nearest hospital which are open 24/7, 365 days a year for a more rapid evaluation of your condition.

If I am not sure it's psychosis I am experiencing, should I still call?

Yes. It is appropriate to request a phone triage.

Publications and News Articles

Support the PEPP Program

The generous support of our donors makes it possible for us to offer better services to our patients and helps to keep the PEPP-MUHC program at the forefront of medical knowledge and expertise. To donate visit the link below.

Thank you, RBC!

We would like to thank RBC for their generous support for the PEPP program and for their commitment towards Mental Heath.

RBC foundation