Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI)

The intent of Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) programs is to move to a “help first” system in order to engage individuals before the development of serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance or to alleviate the need for additional or extended mental health treatment by facilitating access to services and supports at the earliest signs of mental health struggles. Potential multiple negative outcomes can be dramatically reduced for all age groups.

PEI Newsletter

 

What is Prevention?

  • Prevention in mental health involves building protective factors and skills, increasing support, and reducing risk factors or stressors
  • Prevention efforts occur prior to a diagnosis for mental illness
  • Generally there are no time limits on prevention programs

What is Early Intervention?

  • Addresses a condition early in its manifestation 
  • Is of relatively low intensity 
  • Is of relatively short duration (usually less than one year) 
  • Has the goal of supporting well being in major life domains and avoiding the need for more extensive mental health services 
  • May include individual screening for confirmation of potential mental health needs

 

PEI programs are provided in places where behavioral health services are not traditionally given, such as schools, community centers, and faith-based organizations.

Many of the programs and services that are included in the RUHSBH PEI plan have been implemented. Please see the PEI Directory of Services for a list of available programs. Additional programs will roll out over the next two to three years.

Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Statewide Projects

In addition to the local PEI plan, funding was allocated for Statewide Projects. These projects are administered through Cal MHSA. (www.calmhsa.org)
The statewide projects are Suicide Prevention, Student Mental Health Initiative and Stigma and Discrimination Reduction.

Suicide Prevention

Know the Signs is a statewide suicide prevention social marketing campaign built on three key messages: Know the signs. Find the words. Reach out. This campaign is intended to educate Californians how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to find the words to have a direct conversation with someone in crisis and where to find professional help and resources. Find more information at www.suicideispreventable.org.

Stigma and Discrimination Reduction

Each Mind Matters unites the hundreds of organizations working together to create health systems that serve minds and bodies, and the millions of Californians who refuse to stay silent while untreated mental illness takes an unnecessary toll on our families and communities. Together, we are creating a California where Each Mind Matters. Find more information at www.eachmindmatters.org.

Student Mental Health Initiative

The Student Mental Health Initiative (SMHI) promotes and applies strategies to strengthen student mental health statewide across K-12 educational systems and through institutions of higher education.  This initiative focuses activities on key areas notes below and advances collaboration between educational settings and county services. Riverside County Office of Education, Riverside Community College, College of the Desert and University of California, Riverside have each developed programs and supports to education teachers and administrators, developed peer support programs and implemented policies to increase safety for all students.

MHSA - PEI
2085 Rustin Avenue
Riverside, CA  92507
Phone: (951) 955-3448
Email: PEI@ruhealth.org

Hours of Operation:  Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

PEI Sponsored Community Education and Support Groups

Important Documents