Early Psychosis Psychosocial Service (EPPS) - Metro South Brisbane, Mackay, Cairns

The Early Psychosis Psychosocial Service (EPPS) program works in collaboration with the Early Psychosis Teams at Queensland Health and offers psychosocial support to young people aged 12–25 who have experienced their first episode of psychosis, as well as their family, carers, or chosen support people.

This outreach and group support-based service helps to identify and work towards individual recovery goals, while helping the young person to re-engage in education or vocational pathways. EPPS also includes assistance to establish or re-establish relationships with key service providers in the community, fostering a shared approach to each person’s mental health recovery.

About Early Psychosis Psychosocial Service

Peer practitioners and community mental health practitioners provide individual, recovery-oriented support to young people, as well as group-based capacity building and peer support opportunities.

Assistance can be provided to locate and access services that support health, social and peer connections, education and vocational pathways, and daily living needs.

Depending on individual needs, support can be provided for up to two years, with supported exit planning to help ensure a smooth transition to other services.

Our team can adjust the intensity of support as needed, ensuring the assistance provided by EPPS reflects each person's unique needs and preferences.

The EPPS team comprises peer practitioners and community mental health practitioners who work in the community through a combination of face-to-face, online and telephone-based support. Support is available to young people and their families or carers through individual capacity building and peer support groups.

We are happy to discuss preferred locations for face-to-face appointments, which may include one of our Mind offices, community settings, the person's home, or another mutually agreed location. Our aim is to reduce barriers to engagement, including those related to transport and accessibility.

Who is the service for?

• Aged 12–25
• Living within the Hospital and Health Service (HHS) region of Metro South Brisbane, Mackay or Cairns
• Have experienced a first episode of psychosis, or be within 12 months of their first experience of psychosis
• Currently accessing clinical mental health services through a Queensland Health Early Psychosis Team

How do I register my interest for Early Psychosis Psychosocial Service?

Referrals are via the Queensland Health Early Psychosis Teams in Metro South Brisbane, Mackay and Cairns. Contact: [email protected] 

Why choose this service?

The Mind Australia EPPS team works collaboratively with young people who may benefit from psychosocial assistance alongside the clinical care provided by the Queensland Health Early Psychosis Team.

The EPPS team includes peer practitioners who draw on their lived experience to build connection, role model recovery, and walk alongside young people and their families, carers, or support people throughout their recovery journey.

Our community mental health practitioners provide similar assistance, helping young people identify individual goals and break them down into manageable steps. They can also assist with connecting to services such as community health providers and employment services, as well as supporting engagement or re-engagement in education.

EPPS also offers group programs for young people and their families, carers, or support people. These groups promote peer connection, skill development, self-care and wellbeing while helping participants navigate what can often be an overwhelming experience.

Our team is trained in neuro-affirming practice, cultural capability, group facilitation, and trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centred approaches.