Factors Contributing to Engagement During the Initial Stages of Treatment for Psychosis

There is a growing international effort to improve the rate of engagement with young people needing early treatment for psychosis. In this article I describe how a sample of 30 young people, who successfully engaged in treatment for a first episode of psychosis, experienced the process of engagement during the initial stages of care. Using a grounded theory approach and purposive sampling, I found that the nature of relationships among young patients and care providers is a factor that influences engagement. I also found that the transition between initial treatment and community care is a critical time for engagement. The success of this transition is marked by contact with client-centered-care providers and a supportive peer group culture.