Source: NHS
Are they under 18? This page focuses on supporting an adult. See NHS support for children and young people. If you are under 18 and supporting someone else, see young-carer rights and support.
What Early Intervention in Psychosis does
The NHS describes Early Intervention in Psychosis teams as specialist services for people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Depending on the person's needs, support can include assessment, medicine, talking therapies and help with social, education or work needs.
In England, the national access standard is a maximum two-week wait from referral to the start of NICE-approved treatment. That is a service standard, not a promise that every local route or waiting time will be identical.
Sources: NHS and NHS England
How to find the local route
If they already receive mental-health care
Contact their care coordinator, community team or crisis contact first.
If this seems like a first episode
Ask their GP or local NHS mental-health service for the Early Intervention in Psychosis team by name. Some local teams accept direct referrals from the person or family; others use a GP or single point of access.
If help is urgent
Use the urgent-help route for your UK nation. In England, the NHS says to call 111 and select the mental-health option.
Sources: NHS England, Rethink Mental Illness and NHS
Prepare what you have observed
- What changed? Note unusual beliefs, voices or visions, confused speech, withdrawal, self-neglect, sleep and day-to-day functioning.
- When did it start? Include earlier changes in work, study, relationships or ordinary routines.
- Is anything making it worse? Tell the professional about alcohol, drugs, prescribed medicines or physical-health changes if relevant.
- What is the immediate risk? Put suicidal thoughts, self-harm, threats, serious neglect or an inability to stay safe first.
You are reporting observations, not diagnosing the person. Bring written notes if speaking under pressure will be difficult.
Sources: NHS and Rethink Mental Illness
If you are not being heard
Ask which team should assess the person, how the referral will be made and when you should follow up. If the situation changes while you are waiting, use the urgent or emergency route rather than relying on the routine referral.
Here for Someone is an independent information project. It is not a helpline or medical service. This page organises public guidance from the organisations linked beside the relevant information; it has not been clinically reviewed by Here for Someone.
Sources checked: 26 August 2026
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