EPI Training Program

This EPI Training Program is an online training program designed for Mental Health Clinicians and Physicians to enhance their knowledge and skills in order to provide evidence-based early intervention in psychosis. This training was developed through the combined efforts of the Fraser Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Program, several local experts in early psychosis, and a number of clients and families.

Early intervention in psychosis involves early detection and treatment of first-episode psychosis; sustained intensive treatment during the early years or 'critical period' in the course of a psychotic disorder; and early detection and treatment of psychotic relapses. Emerging evidence suggests that the benefits of early intervention include improvement in both short and long term outcomes, and reduction of immediate suffering and danger. The hopeful message of early intervention is that psychosis is a treatable condition and recovery is expected.

It is anticipated that clinicians and physicians who successfully complete this training will be able to:

• Understand and apply the principles guiding early intervention efforts
• Partner with early psychosis clients and families throughout the process of care
• Demonstrate proficiency in performing ongoing comprehensive assessments for early psychosis
• Provide education and psychosocial/pharmacological interventions that are consistent with best practices for early psychosis

The training modules can be accessed only by persons registered in the training program.

Training for Mental Health Clinicians
The training course for mental health clinicians is appropriate for clinicians who provide direct mental health care (assessment, treatment, case management) to adolescents or young adults. Training includes web-based curriculum, completion of assigned readings, several submitted written assignments, online discussions, and participation in a series of educational presentations delivered via telementalhealth technology (e.g., web-based broadcasts, videoconference).

At this time, registration in the training program is limited to mental health clinicians in British Columbia who are with the following Health Authorities: Fraser, Vancouver Island, Northern, Interior and Vancouver Coastal or with the Ministry for Children and Family Development. Interested clinicians from these areas should discuss the training with their manager who can forward the request for registration. In future, the course may be available to other clinicians. Any updates on registration eligibility will be posted here.

Training for Physicians
The training course for physicians is not currently available at this time. Any updates on the status of the training program for physicians will be posted here.

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For any general inquiries regarding the EPI Training Program, please contact Michele Mauer at epi.instructor@gmail.com

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EPI Community of Practice

This website also provides forums for networking and sharing resources for EPI service providers who are part of the BC EPI Community of Practice (CoP). Upon completion of the EPI Training Program, clinicians will automatically join the EPI CoP. Other service providers who have expertise in EPI may also be invited to join without first going through the EPI Training Program.

At this time, registration in the EPI CoP is limited to service providers in British Columbia who are with the following Health Authorities: Fraser, Vancouver Island, Northern, Interior and Vancouver Coastal or with the Ministry for Children and Family Development. Interested clinicians from these areas should discuss the EPI CoP with their manager who can forward the request for registration. In future, the CoP may be available to other clinicians. Any updates on registration eligibility will be posted here.