We can help…

You and your loved one are not alone.

Families often see early shifts before anyone else does. These changes can be concerning, confusing, or difficult to talk about, especially when they happen in the context of larger developmental changes. Reaching out early can help you understand what your child may be experiencing and what steps can support them.

If you want a clearer sense of common early changes, our Early Warning Signs page offers more detail.

“Losing Touch With Reality” — a family member describes what it was like to watch their loved one change, and what it meant to finally get answers.

What you may be seeing

Parents and caregivers often notice:

  • Changes in thinking, mood, or behavior

  • Trouble focusing, organizing, or keeping up at school

  • Pulling away from friends, family, or usual activities

  • Feeling unusually worried, suspicious, or fearful

  • Difficulty communicating or expressing thoughts

  • Hearing or seeing things that seem out of place

  • Big shifts in sleep, motivation, or daily routines

You can learn more about these kinds of experiences on our What Is Early Psychosis page.

Not sure if something is wrong? That is common.

  • Many families notice changes and worry they may be overreacting or misreading the signs.
  • Others feel unsure about how to start a conversation with their child.
  • These concerns are common and understandable.
  • Reaching out does not mean your child will receive a diagnosis.
  • It is simply a way to better understand what is happening and explore whether early support may help.

“A Safe Space for Families” — families talk about what it felt like to find a program that understood what they were going through.

Why early support matters for families

Early intervention can help your child:

  • Make sense of what they are experiencing

  • Stay connected at school or work

  • Maintain friendships and daily routines

  • Reduce distress and uncertainty

  • Build confidence and coping skills

Early support can also help families by:

  • Reducing stress at home

  • Improving communication

  • Providing guidance on how to respond

  • Offering tools to address symptoms

You can explore how early support improves recovery on our Why Early Intervention Matters and Research and Outcomes pages.

“Working Together to Support the Whole Person” — how the PIER team wraps around both the individual and their family to support recovery.

What to expect if you contact PIER

When you reach out, a team member will talk with you about what you have noticed and answer any questions you have. They can help you understand whether an evaluation may be helpful and what support could look like for your child and your family.

If it helps to know what comes next, our What to Expect at PIER page walks through the basics in a calm and simple way.

Get In Touch