Transitioning Out of Coordinated Specialty Care: Exploration of Service Users' and Families' Goals and Needs

This study aimed to describe the goals of service users with first-episode psychosis who enrolled in coordinated specialty care (CSC), along with the goals their family members have for them, and to understand service users' and family members' perceived needs for recovery after discharge from the program.

The authors conducted 32 in-depth interviews in English or Spanish with service users and their family members recruited between September 2021 and December 2022. Transcripts were analyzed to determine the common concerns and expectations of service users and family members.

Most service users described wanting financial and social independence from their families of origin, including an education that would allow them to obtain well-paid, stable employment; transportation; and an independent residence. Service users described hoping to replace some of the support they received from CSC with friends they would make in the future; some family members hoped their loved one would be able to develop and sustain romantic relationships. Most family members described not feeling ready to leave CSC at the 2-year mark, whereas service users expressed mixed opinions about their readiness to exit the program.

Although service users were excited about the prospect of discharge, they, along with their family members, agreed that ongoing support was needed after CSC. On the basis of the findings, the authors delineate supports that service users and family members believe are necessary for a successful step-down.