Prevention and Early Intervention

Purpose: Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) focuses interventions and programs for individuals across the life span prior to the onset of a serious emotional/behavioral disorder or mental illness.

  • Prevention includes programs provided prior to a diagnosis for a mental illness.
  • Early Intervention includes programs that improve a mental health problem very early, avoiding the need for more extensive treatment, or that prevent a problem from getting worse.

PEI Programs strive to meet the following goals: 

  • To prevent a mental health problem from getting worse and to avoid more extensive treatment
  • To reduce stigma and discrimination
  • To improve access to services
  • To reduce risk factors and stressors for children
  • To support well-being and  reduce suffering of children and families
  • Reduce psychosocial impacts of trauma
  • Increase support overall for help-seeking behaviors in natural settings (i.e., schools, home, church, etc.)
  • Reduction and prevention of suicide risk

Visit the PEI Programs page to learn more about Merced County's approved PEI Programs or contact the MHSA Coordinator at
(209) 381-6800.