Examining challenges, barriers and strengths in the implementaion of an early intervention program in northern British Columbia for people with psychosis

The best practices research on early psychosis intervention states that with early and effective intervention with individuals presenting with psychosis, the chance of a positive outcome is greatly increased. The author spent a four month practicum term working in an early intervention program for people with mental illness in Prince George, British Columbia. This practicum provided an opportunity for the author to research this topic of interest, to practice in this area of social work, and to conduct a focus group regarding the program. The program has not been named by the author, however, it is written about throughout this report. The research involved conducting a focus group, with the practitioners or case managers of the program being the participants. The intent of the study was to highlight challenges, barriers and strengths of the program, and to disseminate the information to the team at the end of the author's practicum term. Three themes were identified from the results of the focus group, which were labeled as follows: flexibility, transitions, and societal shadow. It was found that each theme had its own distinct challenges and strengths as they relate to the early psychosis intervention program. --P. 2.