What are schizophrenia and psychosis?
Schizophrenia is a serious, long-term medical condition — and, with consistent care, a treatable one.
Psychosis describes a change in how a person experiences reality — hearing or seeing things others don't, holding firm beliefs that don't match the evidence, or thinking that becomes hard to organize. It's a symptom, not a diagnosis; it can appear in several conditions and, sometimes, from medical causes.
Schizophrenia is a long-term condition in which episodes of psychosis occur alongside changes in motivation, emotional expression, and day-to-day functioning. It is a medical condition — not a character flaw, not a failure of willpower, and not anyone's fault.
What does an evaluation involve?
A first evaluation at CIP is thorough and unhurried — because getting the diagnosis right matters more than getting it fast.
The outcome is a clear explanation and a concrete plan — never a label without a path forward.
A full history
Your psychiatric provider takes a complete history — current experiences, when changes began, medical background, medications, and any substance use.
Medical causes ruled out
Several medical issues and substances can produce psychosis, so they're evaluated and ruled out before a diagnosis is made.
Family perspective welcomed
With the patient's consent, we welcome input from family — the people who know someone best often notice changes first, and their perspective makes the evaluation more accurate.
How is schizophrenia treated at CIP?
Schizophrenia care at CIP is built around antipsychotic medication and supported by therapy — with family involvement and coordination across primary care and hospital systems woven through the plan.
Whole-person care, with medication at the center
Integrative care never replaces antipsychotic medication — it supports the person taking it. Physical health, sleep, and nutrition all affect how someone living with schizophrenia feels and functions day to day, and side effects like weight change deserve real attention, not a shrug. Our team addresses these alongside psychiatric treatment, in one clinic, under one plan.
How to help a loved one get evaluated
Start with a conversation, not a confrontation. Lead with specific, caring observations ('You've seemed really burdened lately') rather than labels. Offering to handle the logistics — finding the clinic, making the call, driving — lowers the barrier more than persuasion does.
You can call us first. Call (469) 557-2646 and we'll explain how an evaluation works and what options fit your situation. For adults, the patient's own consent is needed for treatment — but you don't need their permission to ask us questions.
What helps at a first appointment: insurance information (or a self-pay preference), a list of current medications, any prior psychiatric or hospital records you can gather, and a short written note of what you've observed and when it started. None of these are required to book — they just make the first visit more productive.
In an emergency, don't wait for an appointment. If your loved one is unsafe or in acute crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest ER — then contact us about follow-up care afterward.
When should someone be evaluated?
Early warning signs
Social withdrawal, a decline at work or school, suspiciousness that seems out of character, hearing things others don't, or speech that's become hard to follow.
Earlier is easier
Earlier evaluation generally means easier treatment — and if it turns out not to be psychosis, an evaluation rules out the frightening explanation rather than leaving it hanging.
If you or someone you're with is in crisis — talking about self-harm, unable to stay safe, or in a severe break from reality — call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room now. This page is about ongoing care; a crisis needs immediate help.
More on schizophrenia care
Schizophrenia treatment — common questions
Treatability, family involvement, medication, telehealth, and what to do when a loved one won't seek help.
