Personal Assessment and Crisis Evaluation (PACE) works with young people who might be at risk of developing psychosis. By identifying people who are at risk of psychosis and providing them with appropriate treatment, it is hoped that early symptoms will be reduced, while also delaying or perhaps preventing the development of mental health problems. Young people who come to PACE often describe other changes such as:
- Having more difficulty than usual coping with work or school
- Feeling tired, lacking energy, paranoid or worried about other people and their actions
- Noticing a change in the way things look or sound, or seeing things in the environment that other people do not
Service Options
- Case management which may include home visits
- Support to families and carers
- Psychosocial recovery options such as group programs, vocational and educational supports and services, youth and family participation
- Neuropsychological and occupational therapy interventions
- Referral and liaison with other community agencies (eg. drug and alcohol, employment or youth services)
Treatment Goals
- Early identification and treatment of primary symptoms
- Improve access and reduce delays in initial treatment
- Reduce the risk of other health-related problems developing
- Reduce disruption to social and vocational functioning
- Promote wellbeing among family members and carers
- Support the young person during their recovery
- Develop a plan for maintaining mental health