Overview
New Journeys is an evidence-based program for people 15-40 who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The New Journeys program provides comprehensive wrap-around services focused on assisting clients with identifying their personal goals and needs, to allow them to return to functioning well at their job, school, home and other areas of life.
The New Journey’s team provides expertise and education to individuals experiencing First Episode Psychosis (FEP) and their families by:
- Identifying client strengths
- Developing individual resiliency factors and coping mechanisms
- Providing supportive education regarding diagnosis and treatment
- Exploring education and career planning
- Providing a peer connection with someone with lived experience with FEP
- Support in engaging and making community appointments
- Providing Psychiatric Medication Management
Clarvida currently offers the New Journey’s program in Pierce and Grant County. Should you wish to refer yourself, a family member, a loved one or a client; Please feel free to fill out the New Journey’s Enrollment form or reach out to one of our Program managers here:
Pierce County Residents
Email: NJPierce@Clarvida.com
Grant County Residents
Email: NJGrant@Clarvida.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is New Journeys?
New Journeys is an evidence-based approach for individuals that are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. Additional information about the model can be found here:
New Journeys (Washington State)
How do I submit a referral?
A referral can be submitted through email, fax or phone. If you choose to fax in a referral, please use our Referral Form.
- For Residents of Pierce County
- Email: NJPierce@Clarvida.com
- Fax: 509-919-4877
- Phone: (509) 209-8990
- For Residents of Grant County
- Email: NJGrant@Clarvida.com
- Fax: 509-919-4877
* Please be aware that email communication can be intercepted in transmission or misdirected. Your use of email to communicate protected health information to us indicates that you acknowledge and accept the possible risks associated with such communication. If you would like to submit a referral by email, please include your name, the agency/company you work for (if applicable), your telephone number and days/times you will be available to receive a call back. If you can send an encrypted email, please do so.
Do you currently have openings?
The New Journey’s model is limited to accepting up to 2-3 new clients a month. Should you choose to enter a referral we can provide additional information regarding our number of available ‘openings’ at that time.
Can I refer a family member or loved one? Or myself?
Yes you can! You do not need to be a provider to submit a referral. If you have questions about eligibility you are encouraged to reach out to the contact information above and someone will be able to assist.
There are two New Journeys teams in Pierce County. How do I know which one to use?
Give us a call and we can provide additional information to help you make the best decision for you.
Am I eligible for New Journeys?
This evidence-based approach is for individuals:
- Between the ages of 15-40.
- Experiencing symptoms of psychosis for less than two years.
- With a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective, schizophreniform, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder or other specified psychotic disorder.
- Whose symptoms are not significantly impacted by or related to a pervasive developmental disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder.
- Without medical conditions that may be causing/impacting the psychosis.
- Whose symptoms are not caused by substance use or withdrawal.
If there are questions or uncertainty regarding the above criteria, feel free to call or email using the contact information above for more information.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We primarily accept individuals that have Medicaid. We have limited availability for individuals with no insurance, Medicare and commercial insurance.
What makes New Journeys different from regular outpatient services?
New Journeys is an outreach team that meets with clients and their supports at least 6-8 times a month. Most services occur in the community which includes the client’s home, coffee shops, parks or community spaces. This includes wherever individuals feel most comfortable. This team approach allows for multiple providers to meet weekly to discuss and provide consistent treatment to individuals working with New Journeys. We focus on a combination of behavioral and biological factors along with support systems in helping people work toward what brings their life meaning.
Somebody referred me or a family member. What do I do?
When referrals are submitted, we prefer to ensure the referred individual and supports (if applicable) are aware a referral has been made. After coordinating with the individual who provided the referral, you will either be made aware you were not eligible for New Journeys or you will be contacted by the manager to discuss the referral and see if you are interested in the services New Journeys offers.
What is the screening process? Is it free?
We do offer free screenings to determine if a person is eligible for New Journeys. This screening is not a comprehensive mental health evaluation. A screening consists of a face-to-face meeting (or via Zoom if in-person is not available) with the New Journeys manager and the person being referred, including other supports if desired. This screening can take approximately two hours. During this, multiple scales are administered along with questions exploring the individual’s history and their interactions with the mental health system. Release of information forms will need to be signed to gather information from agencies and others that have had direct interactions with the person being referred since symptoms began. The purpose is to determine if the referred individual is eligible for New Journeys.
I was referred to New Journeys and don’t want to participate. Is it required?
Participation is voluntary. Even if an agency or family member may have referred you, you do not need to follow through if you do not want to.
I’ve been referred to New Journeys but I am seeing another therapist/provider. Can I see them in addition to New Journeys?
If you are receiving counseling or medications from other agencies/teams and want to keep working with them, you would not be eligible for New Journeys. The reason is because New Journeys uses an evidence-based approach which involves a coordinated team effort through frequent collaboration.
I am required to be in treatment to comply with court/probation/LRA requirements. Will New Journeys count?
Although you may be required or ordered to engage in mental health treatment by some other system, connecting with New Journeys is voluntary. If you are interested in actively participating with New Journeys and the appropriate release of information forms are signed, we can share with the courts/probation your progress in reaching your identified goals for treatment.
Does New Journeys provide housing?
No. We can help participants explore housing options but do not have specific housing for individuals enrolled with New Journeys.
New Journeys consists of an entire care team, do I have to meet with ALL of them?
To be in New Journeys, participants will start out meeting with the assigned therapist weekly. The frequency can decrease when discussed and agreed upon collaboratively with the client and therapist.
After being accepted into New Journeys, there is one meeting scheduled with each team member to get to know them and the services they offer. Meeting with the other providers is not required for treatment but can be very helpful to assist in areas of employment, education, having a person who understands and can support you more directly on your journey, medication needs, transportation needs, family support or other areas that may be impacting your life. Meeting with multiple providers is part of the evidence-based approach for recovery.
