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Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) and At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) Service - Herefordshire

  • We provide specialist, evidence-based assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis and those identified as being at high risk of developing psychosis (ARMS).

  • Reception phone number: 01432 220100

About the service

We provide specialist, evidence‑based assessment and support for people experiencing a first episode of psychosis, as well as those at high risk of developing psychosis (ARMS). We typically work with individuals aged 14–65.

Our multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, occupational therapists, support workers, and peer support workers.

We deliver support primarily in community settings, including home visits, to promote accessibility, engagement, and continuity of care. We work collaboratively with primary care, CAMHS, acute mental health services, social care, education providers, and voluntary sector organisations to ensure integrated, coordinated support throughout each person’s journey.

We take a recovery‑focused, person‑centred approach that promotes choice, independence, and hope. Our aim is to identify, assess, and treat psychosis and emerging symptoms as early as possible. By doing so, we work to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, prevent relapse, and support long‑term recovery. All our care follows NICE guidance, national EIP access standards, and best practice.

We work closely with service users, families, carers, and partner agencies to provide compassionate, effective, and seamless support.

Our therapeutic interventions and support:

  • Early identification, comprehensive assessment, and diagnosis of first-episode psychosis and ARMS
  • Individualised care planning and regular review
  • Evidence-based psychological therapies, including CBT for psychosis and interventions tailored for ARMS
  • Medication management where clinically indicated
  • Family intervention, psychoeducation, and carer support
  • Support with education, employment, and social functioning
  • Physical health monitoring and health promotion
  • Crisis planning, relapse prevention, and transition support

Who we support

First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Pathway: 

  • Registered with a GP in the County of Herefordshire.
  • People aged 14 - 64 years old at point of referral.
  • Presenting with symptoms and difficulties primarily due to first episode of psychosis.  Psychotic presentations of organic origin are not normally eligible but will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

At Risk Mental State Pathway (ARMS) Pathway:

  • Registered with a GP in the County of Herefordshire.
  • People aged 18 - 35 years old at the point of referral. 
  • People who are help seeking for their unusual experiences.
  • People who have experienced a loss of functioning over the past 12 months.

AND 

Either:

  • At least one first degree relative who experiences psychosis (Vulnerability Group).
  • Having psychotic like experiences which do not meet criteria for psychosis due to lower intensity/frequency of experiences (Subthreshold Intensity/Frequency Group)
  • Having psychotic experiences that last for a short period of time (less than 7 days) and get better on their own without treatment (Brief Limited Intermittent Psychotic Symptoms [BLIPS] Group). 

Patients with the following will not be eligible for support from our team:

  • Symptoms and difficulties primarily due to a personality disorder (unless co-morbid). 
  • Mood disorder with no mood congruent psychotic symptoms.
  • Previous treatment for psychotic illness (e.g. at least 4 weeks of NICE concordant intervention). Service users for whom this concerns may be accepted after discussion with senior members of the team.

However, the EIPS team will always consider such referrals on a case by case basis and discuss as part of a multi-disciplinary decision making process. 

How to access the service

We accepts referrals from all sources, including professionals, patients and their families. 

Referrals can be made to the team via the below routes:

Telephone calls must be followed up in writing via email.

Referrals are processed by a qualified member of the team when they are received, and discussed at the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. If the referral is accepted, an initial appointment will be offered as soon as practical, but within 14 days of receipt of referral.

The team generally operates between 9am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. To accommodate service users’ needs, the team can sometimes provide a more flexible approach to appointment times.