Frequently asked questions from family & friends

The word "psychosis" is not a diagnosis but a medical term that encompasses a broad range of mental health experiences. These experiences typically include changes in a person’s thoughts, perceptions, or beliefs, which can lead to symptoms such as suspiciousness, social withdrawal, delusions, hallucinations, and more. 

Each person's experience of psychosis is unique. For some, having these experiences may feel unusual and even scary, while for others, it may feel positive and even exciting. As such, while some individuals may find it helpful to associate their experiences with the medical term of "psychosis", others may not. OnTrackNY teams support each participant in making meaning of their experiences in whatever way is most empowering to them. 

Getting support for psychosis as early as possible plays an important role in recovery. Like other health challenges, the sooner symptoms of psychosis are treated, the higher the likelihood of positive outcomes. Furthermore, the combination of early intervention and Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) has been shown to improve overall quality of life, including increasing social engagement and improving enrollment in school or employment.

Recovery from early psychosis looks different for every person, but it can often involve:

• Engaging with one’s community through employment, school, volunteer activities, or hobbies, for example
• Finding purpose and focusing on one’s own life goals
• Developing the skills to maintain healthy relationships
• Developing skills and strategies to support oneself
• Developing an understanding of one’s personal experiences with psychosis 

Check out our resource library to hear from participants and their families about their unique experiences with psychosis and recovery.
 

Each OnTrackNY team has a team member who specializes in education and career services to help participants pursue their goals for school and work. It is the full-time job of the Supported Employment & Education Specialist (SEES) to support participants with their academic and career goals. This may include things like creating or revising a resume, exploring job opportunities or school options, interview preparation, scheduling classes, applying for financial aid, and skills for studying and time management. 

All OnTrackNY teams provide telephonic interpretation for all services offered, which allows participants and their families instant access to an interpreter via telephone. These interpreters are available at all times and offer translations services for more than 200 languages. Reach out to your local OnTrackNY team for more information. 

OnTrackNY teams provide services regardless of insurance status and ability to pay. However, specific insurance and billing policies vary by team. Please don't let concerns about how to pay for services prevent you from reaching out to an OnTrackNY team. Direct further questions about cost and coverage to your local OnTrackNY team. 

OnTrackNY knows that families of participants, including chosen family, play an important role in recovery, so we offer family members a range of ways to get involved. For those interested in contributing to OnTrackNY on a regular basis, learn about the Family Advisory Council. 

OnTrackNY provides services for a time-limited period, and the amount of time between enrollment into and graduation from OnTrackNY services is unique to each person. However, on average, participants tend to graduate from OnTrackNY services roughly 2 years after beginning our services. OnTrackNY teams partner with participants and their families to identify services and supports that individuals may want to use following their graduation from OnTrackNY.