Early Assessment and Support Team Mental health programming aimed at treating young people who have experienced symptoms of psychosis and their families, was recently featured in an article in the local Tillamook newspaper, The Headlight-Herald. The program, EAST (Early Assessment and Support Team) has as its goal to make support available quickly and flexibly so young people can stay on track with their lives.

Here are some helpful facts about early psychosis:

• Psychosis is chemical imbalance in your brain that changes how you perceive things
• Most people experience psychosis for the first time between the ages of 15 and 25
• Many things can cause psychosis, such as:

    -  Prescription drugs
    -  Illegal drugs
    -  Medical conditions
    -  Sleep deprivation
    -  Extreme stress

EAST is a program that is based not only in Tillamook, but in the neighboring counties of Linn, Marion, Polk and Yamhill. EAST offers community education, outreach, assessment and support. For information about the program, contact Victor Bofill, M.A., Program Clinician, at 503.842.8201.

Group Counseling Offerings at Tillamook Family Counseling Center

"Second Time Around"
- Group counseling and support for Grandparents parenting Grandchildren.
Contact: Ardath Stout, LCSW

Senior Adult Women's Depression and Anxiety Group.
Contact: Ardath Stout, LCSW

"Seeking Safety"
- A women's treatment group for those struggling with both post-traumatic stress and substance abuse. Group is ongoing and accepting new members.
Contact: Nickie Frisch-Taylor, LCSW