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.
