Integrating positive youth development into coordinated specialty care for a recent onset of psychosis

ABSTRACT Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) for a recent onset of psychosis is widely implemented in the U.S., yet high disengagement rates persist. Integrating a Positive Youth Development approach (e.g., Transition to Independence Process (TIP) Model) may boost CSC engagement. TIP and CSC experts (n = 14) compared the TIP fidelity scale to an international CSC fidelity scale. Notes were thematically coded. To become more PYD-informed, CSC providers might: (1) re-conceptualize recovery, engagement, and goals; (2) adopt developmentally attuned language uniting multidisciplinary staff; and (3) strategically involve and expand participant social networks. Findings lay groundwork for CSC providers to integrate strategies to prevent premature disengagement. Takeaways Positive Youth Development practices likely can be integrated into Coordinated Specialty Care for first-episode psychosis. The TIP Model’s multi-phase developmentally focused futures planning process and strategic social support involvement may boost CSC engagement. The TIP Model holds merit for uniting multidisciplinary perspectives on CSC teams, promoting team collaboration and young person (and family & other relevant supportive people) engagement.