Use of Parent Connectors in First Episode Psychosis (FEP)

This study proposes to adapt an evidence based peer parent navigator (PPN) intervention, called Parent Connectors, in which trained and supervised PPNs deliver weekly telephone-based support for six to nine months to parents or caregivers of all newly enrolled youth or young adults (Y/YA) in FEP services. This PPN model will be used to enhance the delivery of Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) for Y/YA in New York's state program for FEP, called OnTrackNY (OTNY). This research project has potential to add value to the CSC model through the inclusion of a feasible, low burden intervention that may improve family participation in services and Y/YA outcomes. Using random assignment, this study will examine the feasibility and preliminary impact of an accelerator strategy-the inclusion of peer parent navigators or PPNs-in CSC teams.