Specialized Care
Psychosis Treatment and Prevention
New Constellation Family Therapy is a private practice with focused training in the treatment and prevention of psychosis. Changes in perception or thinking deserve careful attention, including when a family is unsure what those changes mean.
Who This Is For
We see teens, young adults and adults experiencing early or ongoing psychosis-related symptoms, along with families supporting them. We can begin with when the experiences started and what changed at school, work or home.
- Teens 13 to 17
- Young adults 18 to 25
- Adults 26 to 64
- Supporting family members
Focus of Care
What We Work On
Changes in Perception
Sensations or perceptions that feel unfamiliar or hard to explain.
Unusual Beliefs or Experiences
What happened, and the meaning the experience holds for you.
Disorganized Thinking
Difficulty organizing your thoughts or following a conversation.
Withdrawal
Changes in your contact with friends or family members.
How We Work
Joseph Edwards, LMFT, is trained in SIPS, the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes, an interview examining experiences that may indicate psychosis risk. He also draws on PIER, Psychosis Identification and Early Referral, a model addressing early identification, family education and referral. Psychoeducation means discussing symptoms and ways to respond together.
- SIPS assessment
- PIER model
- Family involvement
- Psychoeducation
What Can Shift
We help people understand and manage their mental health, even if that involves a severe mental illness. Psychosis is treatable and manageable. Early goals can be small: putting an experience into words, noticing a change sooner, or knowing who to call when things feel off.
What Sessions Look Like
Therapy sessions last 50 minutes in our San Diego office or by telehealth anywhere in California. Together, we talk about the concern and whether assessment or another level of care is needed.
With your agreement, we can coordinate with psychiatry or a primary care doctor. If higher care is needed, we explain why and help with referrals.
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
What Is a Psychosis-Risk Assessment?
A SIPS assessment is a structured interview about experiences, their timing and their effect on daily life. Joseph can explain the assessment process and its format.
Does an Unusual Experience Mean My Teen Has Psychosis?
Not necessarily. Assessment helps clarify what the experience may mean rather than treating one unusual event as a diagnosis.
Can Family Members Join?
Yes, we can discuss family participation with the client, including what relatives have noticed and the questions they want to ask.
Do You Prescribe Medication?
No. We do not prescribe medication; we can coordinate with prescribers when you want that involvement.
Related Support
You May Also Want to Explore
Mood concerns and family relationships may be part of the conversation about unusual experiences. The linked care pages describe those areas, while Clinical Consultation is intended for therapists rather than clients seeking treatment. If you are supporting a relative, we can talk about which care page relates to their concerns and your possible involvement.
A free 15-minute phone consultation can begin with what feels difficult to explain. For immediate danger, call 911 or 988.
Start With a Conversation