Services for patients and families
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
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.”
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.
Answers to your questions
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.
Yes. The information in your file is kept confidential according to the laws of Quebec.
On your first visit, you will see one or more of the team members listed above.
Absolutely.
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.
Yes. It is appropriate to request a phone triage.
Publications and News Articles
Pot and the teen brain: Risks are real, experts say
Catherine Solyom, Montreal Gazette, September 01 2018
The new law bars minors from buying or possessing, but 'to know something’s legal makes it OK in a teen’s mind. It trivializes the dangers'
