Psychosis intervention early recovery (PEIR) program
What we do
What is the PIER Program?
- The PIER Program (Psychosis Intervention and Early Recovery) is a service offered by the Mental Health and Addictions Program. It is a specialized mental health program focused on recognition, assessment and treatment of individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis and is delivered by an interdisciplinary team that provides individuals and their families with clinical care, education and support.
What are the goals of the PIER Program?
- Early recognition and treatment of individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms;
- Comprehensive interdisciplinary assessment, interventions and support for individuals and their families;
- Relapse prevention and recovery; and
- Providing education to individuals, families, health-care workers and the community.
What services does the program provide?
- Comprehensive psychiatric assessment, treatment and follow up with a psychiatrist.
- Case management services provided by an experienced psychiatric registered nurse who works with clients to provide customized psychosocial interventions and education to individuals.
- Family education and support offered by a social worker experienced in mental health and addictions.
- Occupational therapy, which uses a process of client-centered assessment and intervention.
- Pharmacy interventions and education.
- Collaboration with other programs, groups and clinicians that are specific to a client’s individual needs.
Who we see
- Individuals 16-50 years of age.
- Individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis for the first time.
- Individuals being treated with an antipsychotic medication for a period not exceeding six months.
How to access this service
- A referral by a health care provider such as your family doctor or nurse practitioner, either by a referral letter orEastern Health mental health referral form (PDF).
- Appointments for assessment will be prioritized and clients will be seen based on this. There is generally very little wait time for an initial assessment.
Our team
Our team consists of an interdisciplinary team that provides individuals and their families with clinical care, education and support. Depending on client needs, the team may consist of any of the following:
- Psychiatry
- Nursing (case management)
- Social worker (family worker)
- Occupational therapist
- Consulting a psychologist
- Neuropsych testing
- Pharmacist
Where we are
Waterford Hospital
306 Waterford Bridge Road
St. John’s, NL
A1E 4J8
Our hours of operation
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
How to reach us
Telephone: 709-777-3614
Fax: 709-777-3553