Project 466771

Compared to standard care, early intervention services (EIS) are associated with better functional and clinical outcomes for young adults experiencing psychosis. Despite this, recent research has suggested that benefits gained may not persist following young adults' transition out of EIS. Perhaps due to high levels of experienced distress surrounding their transition and future, the majority of patients who relapse or disengage from services do so within one year following their transition. In order to maximize the benefits of EIS, and solidify engagement to a new treatment team, it may be particularly crucial to focus on supporting young adults during the year directly following transition to subsequent services.The current study will implement and evaluate a novel virtual peer-support program, that spans young adults transition from EIS to subsequent mental health services.In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the virtual peer support program, a mixed-methods longitudinal design will be used to assess functioning, quality of life, overall wellbeing, and barriers to engagement in new services for clients transitioning out of EIS.In comparison to previously evaluated interventions,peer lead interventions may offer similar benefits while being more cost-effective and easier to deliver for service providers. Additionally, delivering this service virtually will likely decrease risk of COVID-19 transmission, while also making services more accessible.Finally, as this intervention is among the first to provide young adults with support before and after transition, compared to previous interventions, it may better encourage engagement with new services and ultimately maintain improvements provided by EIS.