Mental health care for teens, young adults and their families

First Episode of Psychosis Program

First Episode Psychosis (FEP) (recently rebranded as Ascent Colorado) is a supportive program for youth and their families. It offers mental health care for teens and young adults ages 15-29. FEP is for young people who have experienced the beginning of psychosis in the last 24 months. Psychosis can include many symptoms. Here’s what to watch for: First, hearing or seeing things that others do not. Second, having thoughts or beliefs that appear as strange. Additionally, withdrawing from family and friends. Moreover, feeling fearful or suspicious of others. Another example is disorganized speech and erratic behavior.

Mental health care for teens & youth

The program’s goal is stability

The goal of FEP is to stabilize young people. In addition, a goal is to reduce symptoms through early, intensive care. Consequently, FEP helps people go back to school or stay in school. Furthermore, young people can apply for jobs and continue to work. Finally, they can live on their own and have healthy relationships. FEP provides mental health care for teens and young adults for two to three years.

Services are varied to meet needs

  • Individual therapy
  • Employment and education support and guidance
  • Life and social skills building
  • Coping skills
  • Symptom management
  • Medication management
  • Case management
  • Group therapy
  • Family education and support (monthly parent/caregiver groups)
  • Peer specialist support
  • Community and in-home services
  • Healthcare education
  • Patient outings

Eligibility requirements 

  • Must be 15-29 years old
  • Symptoms need to be present for at least 1 week, but within the past 2 years
  • Must live in Southwest Colorado
  • Must be open and willing to voluntarily engage in services
  • Medical providers must rule out any physical concerns, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Cost, location and contact information

Services are open to people with private insurance, Medicaid or no insurance. We offer a sliding-fee scale for those who qualify.  However, our team can meet with patients across Southwest Colorado. To learn more or schedule an assessment, call 970.259.2162.

Crisis resources

If a young person you know is in crisis, please call the Axis 24/7 Care Line: 24/7 local response to your crisis and behavioral health needs.  For more information about our crisis services, visit our Crisis Care page. Additionally, visit Colorado Crisis Services.

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Axis Health System is a provider of Colorado Crisis Services. Funded in part by the Colorado Department of Human Services.

Axis Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Axis Health System does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, click here.