The BC Psychosis Program, located in Vancouver, B.C., provides specialized treatment to adults (18+) across the province with a psychotic illness. People may be referred to this 25-bed program when other treatment approaches have not met their needs.
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The BC Psychosis Program, delivered at UBC Hospital, provides specialized treatment and services to people with a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Treatment includes pharmacological approaches such as medication, and psychosocial approaches such as consultations with a care team.
The BC Psychosis Program care team includes the following professionals:
- Psychiatrists
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Peer support workers
- Recreation and music therapists
- Psychologists
- Dieticians
- Pharmacists
Most people stay in the program for an average of four to six months.
Research is an integral part of the program, and patients and clients may be offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial or another research project.
The BC Psychosis Program is for people whose needs have not been met when other treatment approaches. Admission to the BC Psychosis program requires a referral from a health care professional.
Patients and clients usually have the following characteristics:
- A diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, affective disorder with psychosis, or non-substance related psychosis
- Have not seen a significant improvement after at least two rounds of antipsychotic medications
- Are not able to function in their day-to-day lives, for example, not being able to go to work or socialize
People in this program may also have a substance use disorder, a developmental disorder, a developmental disability, a personality disorder or aggression issues.
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services provides leadership, expertise, and oversight to specialized provincial programs delivered on a contract basis. We have partnered with Vancouver Coastal Health to deliver the BC Psychosis Program. Visit
their website for more information.