Our services
Schizophrenia Treatment
Steady care for psychosis and related conditions
Care across California
100% secure video visits
In short
We provide evaluation and long-term medication management for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and related psychotic conditions, with regular monitoring and family involvement when you want it.
What this includes
Who this is for
Teens and adults living with schizophrenia or psychotic symptoms, and families supporting them.
If someone is in crisis right now
If someone is a danger to themselves or others, or is too unwell to stay safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which also supports family members. Telehealth works well for ongoing care, but it is not the right place to manage an acute psychotic crisis.
Understanding it
A treatable illness, not a split personality
Schizophrenia affects how a person perceives reality, thinks, and relates to others. It is often misunderstood as a split personality. It is not. It is an illness of perception and thinking, and with steady treatment many people live stable, meaningful lives.
The symptoms usually fall into three groups. Positive symptoms are experiences that are added, such as hearing voices or holding fixed beliefs that others do not share. Negative symptoms are things that are taken away, such as motivation, expression, and interest in other people. Cognitive symptoms affect attention, memory, and planning.
It most often first appears in the late teens to early thirties. The early signs are frequently subtle: withdrawing from friends, a drop in school or work performance, poor sleep, suspiciousness, or unusual ideas. Getting an assessment early matters, because treatment started sooner tends to lead to better long-term outcomes.
What we treat
Conditions on the psychosis spectrum
Schizophrenia
Ongoing psychotic symptoms with changes in thinking, motivation, and daily functioning.
Schizoaffective disorder
Psychotic symptoms together with significant depressive or manic episodes.
Schizophreniform and brief psychotic disorders
Psychotic symptoms that have lasted a shorter time, where careful follow-up clarifies the diagnosis.
Delusional disorder
Fixed beliefs that others do not share, often with otherwise intact day-to-day functioning.
How care works
What treatment looks like
- 01
A thorough evaluation
Your provider reviews the history of symptoms, medical history, substance use, and family history, and rules out medical causes. With your permission, a family member's account is often very helpful.
- 02
Choosing a medication together
Antipsychotic medication is the foundation of treatment. The choice balances how well it works against side effects such as weight gain, sleepiness, or restlessness, and your own preferences.
- 03
Monitoring your physical health
Some antipsychotics affect weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol, so regular lab work is part of care. Labs are arranged at a location near you.
- 04
Regular follow-up
Frequent visits early on, then steady follow-ups once things are stable, to track symptoms, side effects, and how daily life is going.
- 05
Relapse prevention
Together you identify your personal early warning signs, such as poor sleep, suspiciousness, or pulling away, and agree on what to do if they appear.
Beyond medication
Support that makes recovery last
Family involvement
When you agree to it, involving family in planning reduces relapse and helps everyone know how to help.
Therapy and skills support
Referral to therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis, and support with work, school, and social life.
Staying on treatment
Stopping medication is the most common reason for relapse. We talk openly about side effects and doubts so they can be solved rather than hidden.
Coordination with local services
Some treatments, such as long-acting injections, need an in-person visit. We coordinate with a local pharmacy or clinic when that is the best option.
Common questions
What patients and families ask
Can schizophrenia be treated through telehealth?
Yes, for ongoing care. Evaluation, medication management, and regular follow-up work well by secure video. An acute crisis needs emergency care in person, and some treatments such as injections are given locally.
Will I need to take medication for life?
It depends on your history. After a first episode, some people can eventually reduce medication under close supervision. After several episodes, long-term treatment is usually the safest choice. Any change is planned together, never stopped suddenly.
Can a family member join the appointments?
Yes, with the patient's permission. Family members often notice early warning signs first, and their involvement is one of the most helpful parts of care.
What if the side effects are hard to live with?
Tell your provider. There are many antipsychotics with different side-effect profiles, and doses can be adjusted. Side effects are a reason to change the plan, not to stop treatment on your own.
Your care, your pace
Ready to take the next step?
Start with a secure video visit and a provider who will listen closely.