Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) is an evidence-based, team treatment model for individuals experiencing early psychosis or a first episode of schizophrenia. It uses shared decision-making to combine psychotherapy, low-dose medication management, family education, peer support, and work or school assistance. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Core Team Components

• Case Manager: Guides daily needs like housing, basic life skills, and transport.
• Psychotherapist: Teaches coping skills via talk therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Psychiatrist: Manages physical health and low-dose medication options.
• Employment and Education Specialist: Helps keep or restart job and school goals.
• Peer and Family Support: Connects patients and loved ones with people who share similar life experiences. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Main Goals and Benefits

• Lowers the chance of hospital stays.
• Reduces intense psychotic symptoms.
• Helps people stay in school or keep a job.
• Keeps social bonds strong with friends and family. [1, 2, 3]