Psychosis

What psychosis is, why early specialized care matters, and where to go

Part of The ShieldMee Guide: Is This Something Else? →

“I keep hearing someone talking, but no one is there.”

“I’m sure people are watching me, and no one believes me.”

“My son isn’t making sense anymore, and I’m scared.”

In a crisis: call or text 988 (press 2 for Spanish). If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

I don’t treat psychosis directly, and here’s why

Psychosis needs specialized medical and psychiatric care. I don’t treat it directly. If your symptoms are stable and a specialist is treating you, I can see you, your partner or your family for couples or family therapy. If symptoms are active right now, you’ll usually need a higher level of care first, and I’ll help you find it.

Getting the right care early can make a big difference in how someone recovers. Please don’t wait.

What psychosis is

Psychosis means losing touch with what’s real. It can include:

• Hearing, seeing or feeling things others don’t (hallucinations)
• Strong beliefs that aren’t true and don’t change with evidence (delusions)
• Confused or jumbled thinking and speech
• Pulling away from people, or big changes in behavior

Psychosis is a symptom, not a single illness. It can come from mental health conditions, drugs or alcohol, some medicines, lack of sleep, or medical problems. That’s why a medical check is important.

People with psychosis are much more likely to be harmed than to harm others. They deserve care, not fear.

Get help right away if

• Someone may hurt themselves or someone else
• Someone can’t take care of basic needs like eating or staying safe
• Psychosis started suddenly, especially with confusion, fever, a head injury or drug use

Call or text 988, call 911, or go to an emergency room.

Where to go in Florida

• An emergency room if there’s any safety concern or the change was sudden.
• A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner for diagnosis and treatment.
• Early psychosis programs (sometimes called coordinated specialty care) offer team-based care for people with a first episode. Ask a psychiatrist or your local community mental health center if one serves your area.
• FindTreatment.gov or the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, 24/7, English and Spanish).
• NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers free family education and support.

For partners and families

Watching someone you love lose touch with reality is frightening. You may feel helpless, guilty or exhausted.

Try to stay calm, speak simply, and don’t argue about what they’re experiencing. Focus on safety and on getting them to care.

Family support makes a real difference in recovery. Your own support matters too. While your loved one gets specialized care, I can help you as a partner or family member carry the stress.

If conflict at home includes threats, hitting, pushing, or one person controlling another’s money, phone or movements, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. It’s free and open 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

Can you treat my psychosis?

Not directly. If your symptoms are stable and a specialist is treating you, I can see you, your partner or your family for couples or family therapy. If symptoms are active right now, you’ll usually need a higher level of care first, and I’ll help you find it. For help now, contact a psychiatrist, an early psychosis program, or 988.

Can I see you as a family member?

Yes. I can support partners and family members while their loved one is treated by a specialist.

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