A new vision for addressing mental illness

The PIER Model treats the earliest symptoms of mental illness. It was developed on a foundation of ongoing research that indicates that early mental illness can be markedly altered or reversed by earlier treatment. Through a combination of family psychoeducation, supported education and employment, and pharmacologic treatment, the PIER Model has a powerful effect in reducing the symptoms that place a young person at risk for the onset and severe disabilities of mental illness.

In addition to the PIER Model’s use of evidence-based treatments, the critical feature of this approach is community outreach by a clinical team to school professionals, general practitioners, pediatricians, and other key groups to educate and inform about the early signs of mental illness. Under the direction of William R. McFarlane, M.D., the PIER staff has more experience with systematic implementation of preventative and family psychoeducational interventions than any other group in the U.S.

Help stop mental illness in its tracks

“Perhaps there were signs, but due to a lack of awareness, the signs went unrecognized.”
One in 40 young Americans are in pain, trapped by a severe mental disorder – and less than half receive the necessary treatment, until they are all but disabled. Families, schools, legal systems and communities – including yours – share the burden of severe mental illness that goes undetected.

Hope for adolescents with mental illness

An estimated 4 million young Americans suffer from a severe mental illness. Less than half receive the necessary treatment.
These adolescents and young adults are trapped by mental illness and are robbed of their potential while families and communities shoulder the burden.

We are changing these statistics. Innovative training in early detection, intervention and treatment, can stop mental illness in its tracks.

Learn about our PIER Model Training & Certification

Early detection is the key

The PIER Model, designed for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25, redefines mental health treatment through a unique focus on identifying severe mental illness in its early stages — a time when it has been shown to be highly treatable.

A three-part approach

By leveraging three key components — Community outreach, Assessment and Treatment, mental health clinicians and agencies can substantially reduce symptoms, improve function, and decrease relapse. Adopting the PIER Model in your community will bring hope to adolescents, young people and their families.

With early intervention and appropriate treatment, adolescents and young adults can function in school and work settings — a remarkable outcome not typically experienced by people living with severe mental illness — and regain their life.

Youth and mental illness