The Navigate First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Program is an evidence-based early intervention model designed to support individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis. Psychosis may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and disruptions in daily functioning. The program emphasizes early identification, rapid engagement, and coordinated treatment to improve long-term recovery outcomes.
Purpose of the Program
The primary purpose of the Navigate FEP Program is to deliver coordinated, person-centered care through a multidisciplinary team.
Core services include:
• Medication management
• Individual therapy (including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis)
• Family education and support
• Supported employment and education services
• Case management
• Peer Support
The program focuses on recovery and helps individuals return to school, work, and meaningful roles in their communities.
Reggie Bollinger, Program Manager for the FEP program at LFS said, “Community providers, I have spoken with, are excited about FEP and the collaborative approach FEP uses to support individuals who experience symptoms of psychosis. One provider stated that Lincoln has needed this approach to care for a long time. Another provider reported that they had talked to clinicians on their team, and they already had some referrals that the program could help.”
Mental and Behavioral Health Needs Addressed
First Episode Psychosis typically occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood—a critical developmental stage. Without timely intervention, individuals may experience:
• Long-term disability
• Disrupted education or employment pathways
• Social isolation
• Increased hospitalizations
Traditional systems often delay access to specialized care, leading to a longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), which is strongly associated with poorer outcomes.
Catherine Fletcher, Director of Program Development for LFS said, “Our goal is to step in earlier with the right support, so individuals and their families can avoid some of that disruption and stress. We want to help people stay on track, move forward, and continue working toward what matters most to them.”
Why Expanding Care Matters Now
Expanding access to FEP programming is critical due to rising mental health needs among young people and continued gaps in coordinating care.
Early intervention has been shown to:
• Improve symptom management
• Reduce hospitalizations
• Increase engagement in education and employment
Investing in FEP programs reduces long-term healthcare costs, strengthens family systems, and promotes healthier communities by intervening early in the course of illness.
Fletcher said, “We’re really excited to offer this intensive, comprehensive support right when symptoms first begin. Too often people don’t get this level of care until they’ve been struggling for years—sometimes after hospitalizations or involvement with the legal system.”
Service Area
The program will serve Region 5 in Southeast Nebraska, including all communities across 16 counties:
Butler, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Polk, Richardson, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, and York counties.
This area includes Lincoln as well as numerous rural communities.
What Differentiates LFS
Lutheran Family Services (LFS) offers a unique and essential service because:
• There is currently no First Episode Psychosis program available in Region 5
• The program fills a critical gap in specialized early intervention care
• It provides coordinated specialty care tailored specifically to young people experiencing psychosis
This makes LFS the first provider in the region to offer this evidence-based model of care.
Who the Program Supports
The FEP Program supports adolescents and young adults, typically ages 15–30, who are experiencing early signs of psychosis.
Participants may include individuals who are:
• Newly diagnosed or undiagnosed
• Experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking
• Experiencing a decline in functioning
• Diagnosed with:
o Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
o Schizoaffective disorder
o Mood disorders with psychotic features
Many individuals are accessing behavioral health services for the first time, often following a crisis or hospitalization.
Families and Caregiver Support
The program actively supports parents, guardians, and caregivers through:
• Education about psychosis
• Communication and coping strategies
• Guidance on how to support recovery
Family involvement is critical, as caregivers often experience stress, uncertainty, and emotional burden during early stages of illness.
Co-Occurring Conditions.
Many participants may also experience:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma-related symptoms
• Substance use
The program provides integrated care to address these co-occurring conditions alongside psychosis.
What Participation Looks Like
Participation in the FEP program includes a team-based, coordinated approach:
Intake & Assessment
• Rapid intake and comprehensive clinical assessment
• Early engagement to reduce treatment delays
• Ongoing Treatment (2–3 Years)
Participants receive coordinated specialty care that may include:
• Individual therapy
• Medication management
• Family education and support
• Peer support services
• Supported employment and education services
• Case management
Service Delivery Approach
• Community-based and flexible
• Designed to reduce barriers to care
• Tailored to individual goals
The program supports long-term recovery, independence, and reintegration into school, work, and community life.
Expected Outcomes & Benefits
Participants can expect gradual but meaningful improvements, including:
• Better symptom management
• Increased coping skills
• Improved daily functioning
• Greater stability
• Re-engagement in education or employment
• Strengthened support systems
While recovery varies for everyone, the program promotes long-term wellness, independence, and hope for the future.
For More Information or Referrals
Please contact:
Reggie Bollinger, LICSW
Program Manager
Reggie.Bollinger@onelfs.org
