- What is iHope?
iHope is a specialized, team-based program that provides early intervention services for youth and young adults with or at risk of symptoms of psychosis.
- What age group does iHope serve?
iHope serves people between the ages of 15 and 30.
- What does the iHope program have to offer?
The range of services that iHope can offer is based on an individualized program that recognizes the needs and interests of the client. These services can include peer support, employment and education support, individual and group counseling, case management, and medication management.
- What are the symptoms of psychosis?
Psychosis is a complicated mental health condition. While it takes a professional to properly diagnose and treat psychosis, there are some indicators to look out for in yourself and your loved ones. Most psychosis-based mental health concerns develop in the mid-teen to twenties age range. Some indicators include reduced performance, like trouble reading or understanding complex thoughts along with trouble speaking or understanding what’s being said, becoming easily confused or lost, and having issues related to sleep and fear. Some other signs may include behavior changes like extreme fear for no apparent reason, impulsive or reckless behavior, extreme social withdrawal, or a decline in physical appearance and hygiene. Some perceptual changes may also occur, including a fear that others are trying to hurt them, a heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smell, or touch, hearing voices or sounds that are not real, seeing people that are not real, and even believing that someone is putting thoughts into their head.
- Why is the iHope program important?
Without early identification and intervention, young people with psychosis are at risk of dropping out of school, experiencing a loss of social support, and could lose their overall ability to function. In addition, those with a psychotic illness could become involved in the legal system, face long-term trauma, disability, and poverty.
- Who would be a good candidate to get help from iHope?
If you are worried about yourself or a loved one and think it could be related to early psychosis, iHope can help. Most of their clients will have not had symptoms lasting more than 12 months. In addition, iHope participants will need to have an IQ over 70 and not already be receiving treatment for psychosis.
- How do you get help from iHope?
Contact Four Rivers Behavioral Health at 270.442.7121, visit their website at www.4rbhiHope.org, or speak to your therapist, psychiatrist, or doctor about your concerns and ask them if they think a referral to the iHope Program would be beneficial.
