First Stark County

In collaboration with Northeast Ohio Medical University’s Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center and Coleman Behavioral Health, Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery is funding in-part FIRST Stark County, an innovative research and treatment program for individuals who have had a first episode of a psychotic illness.

Early treatment is very important. Research suggests the sooner treatment of a psychotic illness begins, the better chances are for a faster and more complete recovery. Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are examples of psychotic illnesses where someone experiences some loss of contact with reality.

With treatment, people with psychotic illness can and do get better. FIRST Stark County is a specialized treatment program that helps people who are:

  • Between the ages of 15-40 years and have
  • Had psychotic symptoms for no more than 18 months

Eligible diagnoses are: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder or other specified/unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder.
Clients of FIRST Stark County must be willing to participate in at least two of the following treatment components: individual counseling, psychiatric care, supported employment/education, family psychoeducation and case management.

FIRST Stark County team members work together to provide treatment, information and support to clients and their families and significant others.

To refer someone or learn more about the FIRST Stark County program, please contact:
FIRST Stark County Team Leader
Coleman Professional Services
400 Tuscarawas Street West, Suite 200
Canton, Ohio 44702

330-541-1877

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