Home Intervention for Psychosis (HIP) is a specialized interdisciplinary team that provides assessment and treatment in the community for people who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The HIP team assists individuals and their families during the initial period of recovery and adjustment following a first episode of psychosis, and as a result is available for a period of up to three years.

HIP is available to individuals 16-45 who reside within the catchment area (which is east to Victoria Park Ave., north to Steeles Ave and west to Hwy. 427) and service can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The services are available for a period of up to three years.

Our goal is to identify and treat early signs of psychosis as soon as possible.

Psychosis happens when a person loses contact with reality and cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is not. Psychosis usually appears in a person's late teens or early twenties. About three out of every 100 people will have a psychotic episode in their lifetimes. Psychosis is treatable.

Mental and emotional problems are often like physical problems; the sooner they are treated, the better. In the past it was common to delay active treatment until clear signs of psychosis appeared. However, the longer an illness is left untreated, the greater the disruption to the person's ability to study, work, make friends and interact comfortably with others.

Referral Required: Yes. Self referrals are welcome. See related links box for referral form.

Contact: (416) 535-8501, ext. 6528 or 6496 (Schizophrenia Intake Coordinator)

Contact: Fax (416) 260-4197

Contact: HIP Clinic: 416-535-8501, ext. 6865

Location: College Street site, 7th floor, 250 College St. Toronto