FIRST Cuyahoga Program

Eligibility

While each person will be considered for FIRST treatment services on an individual basis, FIRST is most appropriate for individuals who:

• are between 15-40 years of age
• are diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder or other specified/unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder
• have experienced no more than 18 months of psychotic symptoms (treated or untreated)
• are willing to consent to participate in at least two treatment modalities that include counseling, psychiatric care, supported employment/education, family psychoeducation and case management

Other Considerations

FIRST is not appropriate for individuals:

• with psychotic symptoms that are known to be caused by the temporary effects of substance abuse or another medical condition
• with an intellectual disability that impairs their ability to understand all of the treatment components

Individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for FIRST are referred to other treatment resources.