If it seems like a specialized consultation would be helpful for you, our team helps you to schedule the appointment (either via telehealth/video, or in person if feasible). PEACS consultations/evaluations involve collecting several types of information, which may vary based on what information is available and the comfort and preferences of you/your family. 

We encourage you to share anything that might help us make sense of what is happening, but you do not have to tell us anything you do not want to share with us. What you do share will be kept confidential. For most young people, we encourage you to include a family member (or another person who is important in your life) to participate in the consultation. If you are 17 years old or younger, consent of a parent and guardian is required. PEACS clinicians review with young people how they prefer to include families/supporters in this process.

The consultation typically involves filling out some assessments, sharing previous records, and meeting with a PEACS clinician. Consultations typically occur over 1 to 3 appointments. The first appointment is typically focused on information gathering, and we typically give feedback about what these changes may mean and next steps in an appointment after this initial evaluation.

Common topics that we ask about during an evaluation include:

• A brief background about you (e.g., early development, culture, family and social life, school/work)
• Difficulties with mood, anxiety, trauma, substance use
• Difficulties with unusual thinking, sensory changes, organization of speech
• History of mental health treatment, including therapy, medications, hospitalization
• Medical diagnoses/treatments

PEACS offers outpatient therapy to young people/families that are a good fit for treatment with us. We provide comprehensive outpatient treatment, which commonly involves treating psychosis risk symptoms plus other difficulties that young people may experience (e.g., mood, anxiety, relationship stressors, substance use). There are several types of individual and family therapy that have been found to help young people experiencing psychosis risk and their families. PEACS also remains up to date with new evidence-based treatments in this field.

Key treatment targets that therapy focus on them include:

• Increasing understanding of self and difficulties
• Increasing ability to do what is important to you
• Reducing stress
• Reducing symptoms
• Build strategies to manage symptoms/stress
  

Evidence-based treatments that we can provide include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or CBT for psychosis (CBT-p)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills
• Family-focused treatment (FFT)
• Medication management
  

PEACS offers psychiatric evaluation and medication management to young people who are receiving treatment in the program. The psychiatry team coordinates with the rest of the PEACS team. The doctor will do an initial evaluation, which includes medical history, medication history, general health/wellness, and recommendations for possible psychiatric medications. There are several medications that can be helpful for some people experiencing possible psychosis risk, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sleep aids. The doctor will review options, as well as the risks/benefits of these options, with you.

Many young people experiencing possible risk for psychosis start to find school or work tasks more difficult. PEACS has a “coaching” program, which involves meeting with a member of the PEACS team for support specific to school and work. The “coach” coordinates with the young person’s individual therapist and focuses on next steps towards school/work goals.

What insurance, bills and co-pays can I expect for PEACS services?

Our goal is to keep care as cost-effective, understandable, and efficient as possible.

Insurance accepted includes the CU Anthem Plans, most private insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare.  Please check with your insurance provider concerning coverage terms/limitations (i.e., co-pays, deductible, number of visits, etc.).

Clients may receive a bill from CU Medicine.

 

When I call PEACS, who will I talk to?

If calling during business hours, you will reach our clinic coordinators who will collect some initial information from you. If they are away from the desk or you call after-hours, your call will be returned as soon as possible during business hours. After this initial call with the clinic coordinators, you may then have a separate call with a PEACS clinician to review concerns that leads you to contact us. Please see “PEACS Referrals & Consultation” for further information.

 

Will I be treated on campus?

The majority of PEACS appointments are currently occurring virtually. We will ask you about your concerns about telehealth appointments during the referral process. When necessary, clients may be seen on campus for medication management and  psychotherapy visits. If it sounds like another treatment provider would be a better fit for your needs, we will also provide recommendations for other options during the referral process.