On Track: Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program

Early intervention can be critical when it comes to treating many conditions, and psychosis is no different. That’s why The Ottawa Hospital has a specific program to help those experiencing psychosis get their life back “On Track” when it’s derailed by their symptoms. 

The On Track: Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program is a voluntary, community-based program run by The Ottawa Hospital that helps people who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis or early symptoms of a possible psychotic illness. 

They work within a three-year timeframe, give or take, to help participants live the life they want to be living. And because one of the top predictors of the success of psychosis recovery is whether the person has a supportive and involved family member, family support is a key part of the programming at On Track. The program currently focuses on patients with schizophrenia.

A diverse team — including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, occupational and recreational therapists, researchers, and even dietitians, among others — works together with patients and their families to come up with highly personalized plans for recovery.  

Along with diagnosis and treatment support, participants can take part in a range of programs, including walking groups, sports programs, educational groups, social groups, family education and support sessions, and there’s a new group on communicating with someone with psychosis. 

The program’s combination of multidisciplinary expertise with a holistic and compassionate approach to care sets the program apart and is seeing great success with participants and their families. 

“When you talk to people about a diagnosis of schizophrenia, you just see their face change and their parents are often shocked,” says staff psychiatrist, Dr. Sarah Brandigampola. “We have such great outcomes at this clinic. This illness does not have to dramatically change your life, and I would say it’s because of the model of care we provide.”