Challenge

Approximately 100,000 young people in the U.S. experience first episode psychosis (FEP) each year. Young adults with FEP face a significant problem when seeking treatment because they often fall between the child and adult service systems and are experiencing these symptoms for the first time. Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) is an evidence-based program designed to treat young people with FEP.

The Mental Health Block Grant 10% (MHBG 10%) Set Aside was established by Congress to fund only those evidence-based programs that target FEP. Westat is evaluating this effort’s effect.

Solution

We are evaluating 36 sites implementing CSC services.

We are using quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate how levels of accuracy and consistency to the CSC model are linked to positive client outcomes.

Results

The study will:

• Assess how MHBG funds affect implementation of CSC and how local environmental and contextual factors at sites across the country relate to the implementation of CSC programs
• Help policymakers understand how MHBG policy may be related to CSC services and individual client outcomes