Teens, Young Adults and Families
Early Psychosis Care
An unfamiliar sound, a change in thinking or feeling less sure about other people can be difficult to explain. We make time for teens, young adults and families to describe those first experiences without rushing the conversation.
Who This Is For
Early psychosis care includes the young person's perspective and the family's questions. You may have noticed changes at school or at home before anyone has put a name to them.
- Teens ages 13 to 17
- Young adults ages 18 to 25
- First unusual experiences
- Parents seeking understanding
Focus of Care
What We Work On
Unusual Experiences
Changes in perception and what they feel like to you.
Daily Life
School, work and routines affected by confusing experiences.
Family Understanding
Questions about symptoms and supportive responses at home.
Connected Care
Coordination with psychiatry or medical care when needed.
How We Work
Joseph's training includes PIER, the Psychosis Identification and Early Referral model. We draw on that training to discuss early experiences, family involvement and the care that makes sense. Psychosis is treatable and manageable; your description matters even when words are hard to find.
- PIER-informed care
- Family psychoeducation
- CBT skills
- Feedback Informed Treatment
What Can Shift
A family conversation can move from guessing about a behavior to describing what is happening. We practice calmer ways to communicate needs and discuss how relatives can participate without losing the young person's perspective. A confusing experience can become something we can talk about together.
What Sessions Look Like
In a 50-minute session, we may talk through a recent experience and its effect on sleep, school or relationships. Family participation is discussed as part of care, with room for the young person to speak in their own words.
When the client wants it, care can include coordination with psychiatry or primary care. We do not prescribe medication. If a higher level of care is needed, we discuss referrals rather than trying to manage everything in an office session.
Planning Early Care
Appointments are available in person in San Diego or by telehealth across California. We can discuss clinician availability, insurance and superbills during a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Fees in Brief
Individual, couples and family sessions are 50 minutes. We are in network with many plans and provide superbills for out-of-network benefits. Contact us for rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Call Before We Know What Is Happening?
Yes, the consultation can start with a change you have noticed, even without a diagnosis.
Is PIER Part of Joseph's Training?
Yes, Joseph is trained in the Psychosis Identification and Early Referral model.
Do Parents Have a Role in Early Care?
Yes, family involvement is central, with participation discussed alongside the young person's concerns.
Could Medical Care Be Part of the Next Step?
Yes, psychiatric or medical evaluation may be recommended when the experiences need further assessment.
Related Support
You May Also Want to Explore
Assessment, broader psychosis care and family support describe different parts of the early-care conversation.
We can begin by hearing what has changed for your teen or young adult, and what your family wants to understand.
Start With a Conversation