Resources

The resources below are ones I trust and think are worth your time, whether you're navigating psychosis yourself or supporting someone who is. This list isn't exhaustive, and it isn't an endorsement of everything on a given organization's site. If something here doesn't feel like the right fit, or you want help finding something more specific, reach out and I'd be glad to point you in the right direction.

Understanding Psychosis

  • NIMH, Understanding Psychosis: a clear, plain-language overview of what psychosis is, common experiences, and treatment approaches. (link)

  • NAMI, Early Psychosis and Psychosis: an overview of symptoms, causes, and treatment, including guidance on Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) programs. (link)

  • Psychosis Research, Myths and Facts about Psychosis: a short, plain-language guide addressing common misconceptions about psychosis. (link)

  • SAMHSA, Understanding a First Episode of Psychosis: a federal guide walking through what to expect after a first episode and how to seek help. (link)

  • Understanding Voices, Quick Reads: short, informational guides about voice-hearing experiences. (link)

For Individuals

  • SAMHSA Early Serious Mental Illness (ESMI) Treatment Locator: a national directory to find Coordinated Specialty Care and early psychosis programs near you. (link)

  • Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) Clinics: a directory of clinics providing treatment and services to individuals with early psychosis. (link)

  • Hearing Voices Network (USA): peer support and community for people who hear voices or have other unusual perceptual experiences, grounded in a non-pathologizing approach. (link)

  • Hearing Voices Network, Films, Radio & Videos: audio and video resources exploring the experience of hearing voices. (link)

  • Center for Practice Innovations, First Episode Psychosis Recovery Stories: first-person accounts from people who have navigated early psychosis. (link)

  • Books:

    • Overcoming Distressing Voices, Hayward, Strauss, & Kingdon: a self-help guide for coping with voice-hearing. (link)

    • Overcoming Paranoid and Suspicious Thoughts, Freeman, Freeman, & Garety: a self-help guide for working through suspicious thoughts. (link)

    • Back to Life, Back to Normality, Vol. 1, Kingdon et al.: a self-help guide written for individuals experiencing psychosis. (link)

For Families and Loved Ones

  • NAMI Family Support Groups and NAMI Family-to-Family: free, peer-led education and support groups for family members of people with serious mental illness. (link)

  • NAMI HelpLine: free, confidential support and information for individuals and families, reachable by phone, text, or chat. (link)

  • Psychosis REACH: an educational program teaching families concrete, evidence-based skills rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. (link)

  • Yale Medicine, Caring for a Loved One with Psychosis: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers: practical guidance for parents and caregivers navigating a loved one's psychosis. (link)

  • Books:

    • The Complete Family Guide to Schizophrenia, Mueser & Gingerich: a widely recommended guide for families navigating a loved one's diagnosis, covering communication, treatment options, and day-to-day support. (link)

    • Back to Life, Back to Normality, Vol. 2, Kingdon et al.: a guide written for family members and loved ones of individuals experiencing psychosis. (link)