Programs
VIPS
Ventura early Intervention Prevention Services
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5810 Ralston Street, 2nd Floor
Ventura, California 93003
805-642-7033
805-642-7732 FAX
VIPS is an exciting new program offered by Ventura County Behavioral Health in partnership with Telecare Corporation. This program is modeled after the Portland Identification and Early Referral (PIER) model and is funded through the Mental Health Services Act.
Research has indicated that educating the public and community leaders will increase the chances that a young person will receive early treatment that can slow the progression of psychosis. VIPS actively outreaches to the communities of Ventura County to provide information about early identification and treatment.
To download the VIPS Brochure, please click here.
What We Do
VIPS consists of a diverse clinical team trained to assess and treat young people experiencing the early warning signs of psychosis.
The VIPS team assists young people and their families to build coping skills, reduce stress, and increase performace in all areas of the young person’s life. Consultations and assessments with trained professionals will determine whether an individual could benefit from VIPS services.
Our team will:
- Educate community members who will help identify young people who are exhibiting the early warning signs of psychosis
- Conduct confidential assessments specifically designed to identify risk for actual psychosis
- Provide individualized treatment for the young person and their family
Treatment includes:
- Multi-Family Groups
- Psycho-education
- Psychiatric/Medication options
- Occupational Therapy
- Education and Employment Support
- Nursing Services
Who We Serve
VIPS provides confidential assessment and early assistance for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who are at risk for mental illness in West Ventura County.
Symptoms may include:
The following symptoms are behaviors or feelings that can indicate a temporary reaction to significant stressors, or they can be early signs of a developing psychotic illness. If the young person presents a combination of symptoms, or the symptoms appear to worsen over time, this may indicate the onset of a mental illness.
- Difficulty in mainting focus, concentration or memory
- Hearing sounds or voices, seeing visions, or experiencing strange sensations that others don’t perceive
- Difficulty with conversations or being understood
- Feeling overly fearful or suspicious
- Changes in sensitivity to light, sound or touch; decreased sense of smell
- Dramatic changes in behaviors, ideas, sleep or appetite
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Deterioration in school or work functioning
- Suicidal Ideations
Who Can Help?
Community members who are most likely to help identify these young people include:
- Staff at high schools and colleges
- Nurses and physicians
- Spiritual leaders
- Police
- Mental health professionals
- Community centers
About Telecare
Telecare is a family- and employee-owned company that has been treating individuals with serious mental illness since 1965. We specialize in innovative, outcomes-driven services for high-risk individuals with complex needs. Our programs are recovery focused and clinically effective and are designed in partnership with local, county, state and other behavioral health organizations. We currently provide services in California, Texas, Oregon, North Carolina, Nebraska and Washington, and have over 2,200 employees.
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