24, and Trying to Outrun Schizophrenia

The New York Times recently published an article about a Syracuse University student named Kevin, who has also been a participant at OnTrackNY, an early intervention program for people experiencing the onset of schizophrenia. Lisa Dixon, MD, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center who has directed New York’s OnTrack program since its inception, is quoted in the article saying that two years in the program may be enough to provide people with a great start to their lives. “If you can get through the first two years of this experience and feel like you have a future and have a sense of personhood, and you can be somebody — what a difference,” she said.

The New York State Office of Mental Health launched OnTrackNY, a statewide initiative designed to improve outcomes and reduce disability for individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis, in 2013. The program provides specialized intervention services and reduces barriers to rapid engagement in care for teens and young adults (ages 16-30) impacted by unexpected changes in thinking and perceptions that can make it difficult to focus on the things that usually matter the most to them, like friends, family, hobbies, school, and career goals. Those enrolled in the program show high rates of participation in treatment, experience a reduction in symptoms, and are more likely to achieve school and career goals. Today, OnTrackNY has become a national model for early psychosis care, as one of the largest initiatives of its kind in the country. They offer training & technical assistance to state agencies and mental health providers that strive to implement Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) services nationwide.