Congresswoman Matsui Statement on New Research Findings on Coordinated Treatment for First Episode Psychosis

Press Release

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has released new research showing that early treatment and coordinated specialty care for people with first episode psychosis may produce better patient outcomes. The study, part of the NIMH Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode, or RAISE project, found that patients participating in the program experienced greater improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and work and school involvement compared with patients at typical care sites. Coordinated specialty care programs to treat first episode psychosis are currently being planned, maintained, or extended by 32 states across the country, including California. These programs are being supported by set-aside funding from the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) issued the following statement on the NIMH findings:

"I applaud NIMH and SAMHSA's efforts to better understand how we can improve outcomes of care for patients with early serious mental illnesses. Dr. John M. Kane's clinical trial demonstrates that connecting an individual to a coordinated specialty care team as soon as possible after symptoms begin is essential to having the greatest impact on improving a patient's quality of life.

"Ultimately, this research will allow us to take a more comprehensive approach to mental health care reform. I will continue my work in Congress to raise awareness around this critical issue affecting everyday Americans."

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