Frequently asked questions from teens & young adults

You can use our map to find the team nearest to you and find contact information. Some teams may accept emails or text messages while others require a phone call. 

No matter how you reach out, you will soon be connected to a team member who will ask a few questions about your experiences. If a team member is unavailable, you may be prompted to leave a voicemail, or you can try reaching out at another time or by another channel listed in the directory.

If OnTrackNY is a fit for you, your OnTrackNY team will advise on next steps. If not, they will help you find the right care for you.
 

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 thinking and/or perceptions. Learn more about common changes to look out for to help you know when to reach out for support. 

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.

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 offers a range of services, including individual therapy, group therapy, peer support services, assistance with school and work, family support services, options for medication, and more. Learn more about our services. 

Participants can choose to engage in the elements of our services that best align with their aspirations for school, work, and relationships and that best meet their needs and preferences.

We have team members who specialize in education and career services to help participants pursue their goals for school and work. This may include things like exploring job opportunities or school options, interview prep, scheduling classes, applying for financial aid, and skills for studying and time management. 

Medication is not a requirement for enrollment in OnTrackNY. For some, medication can be a tool in the recovery journey and for others, it is not. Our teams partner with each participant to determine whether medication is the right approach for them, based on their unique needs, goals, and preferences.

It may be difficult to talk to your family and/or friends about your experiences, but doing so can help others understand how best to support you.

Here are a few tips:

• Talk about the kinds of experiences you’re having and how they make you feel. For example, maybe your experiences include hearing a voice that others don’t hear or feeling more nervous about things happening around you. These experiences might make you feel more nervous or worried than usual.
• Tell someone you trust, such as parent(s) or guardian(s), about how your experiences are affecting your schoolwork or your relationships. For example, you may be having trouble concentrating in class, or you may be feeling disconnected from your friends.
• Share this website with someone you trust, such as parent(s) or guardian(s). It might help them become aware of others who have had similar experiences you’re having and better understand how to support you.
   

Availability of telehealth services depends on each OnTrackNY team. Contact your local OnTrackNY team to learn about options for in-person versus telehealth services.

OnTrackNY teams provide services regardless of insurance status and ability to pay. However, specific insurance and billing policies vary by team. Direct further questions about cost and coverage to your OnTrackNY team.

Every OnTrackNY participant can choose to engage in the services that best align with their aspirations for school, work, and relationships. The amount of time spent with OnTrackNY depends on the types of services each participant chooses to utilize and can change over time.

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. 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.