1. Antipsychotic Medications

These are the primary treatment for symptom control, especially hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Types

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs):
Risperidone, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Aripiprazole
Fewer motor side effects, often first-line.

First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs):
Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine
Effective but higher risk of tremors or stiffness.

Long-acting injectables (LAIs)
Helpful for people who struggle with daily medication

2. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Medication manages symptoms, but therapy helps with coping skills, stress, and quality of life.

Common Types

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT for Psychosis / CBT-p)
• Cognitive Remediation Therapy (improves memory, attention, problem-solving)
• Social Skills Training
• Supportive Therapy

3. Family Psycho education

Education and communication training help families reduce stress and improve outcomes.

Resource
NIMH Family Education Materials:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia

4. Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)

Best practice for first-episode psychosis, combining multiple services into one team. Includes:

• Medication management
• Therapy
• Family support
• Case management
• Supported education and employment

Resource
NIMH Coordinated Specialty Care programs:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/early-psychosis-and-psychosis To find early-psychosis programs near you:
https://www.findhelp.org

5. Case Management & Community Support

Helps individuals navigate housing, benefits, transportation, and treatment.

Resource
SAMHSA Treatment Provider Directory:
https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov

6. Peer Support Services

Peer specialists with lived experience help clients build hope, advocate for themselves, and reduce isolation.

Resource
Mental Health America Peer Support Finder:
https://www.mhanational.org/

7. Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Focuses on building independence and life skills in these areas:

• Work and career development
• Social functioning
• Education
• Daily living skills

Resource
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Foundation:
https://www.psychrehabassociation.org/

8. Inpatient Care / Crisis Services

Used when symptoms create immediate safety concerns.

Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.):
https://988lifeline.org

Crisis text line: Text HOME to 741741

SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Finder:
https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov

9. Supportive Housing & Community Living

Options include supervised group homes, independent living with support, or transitional housing.

Resource
Housing support through FindHelp:
https://www.findhelp.org

10. Lifestyle & Self-Management Strategies

While not a replacement for medication, lifestyle practices can support stability:

• Sleep hygiene
• Stress reduction
• Avoiding substances
• Routine and structure

Resources
Schizophrenia & self-care tips (NAMI):
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Schizophrenia