PSYPHER - Psychosis Service for People in Hull and East Riding

PSYPHER – The Early Intervention for Psychosis Service, for people experiencing a First Episode of Psychosis in Hull and East Riding

PSYPHER is an Early Intervention in Psychosis service. We support individuals aged 14 to 35 who are either experiencing their first episode of psychosis or are considered at risk of developing psychosis.

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition where a person loses touch with reality. This can involve:

Hallucinations – seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t actually there. For example, hearing voices that others cannot hear.
Delusions – holding strong beliefs that aren’t based in reality or shared by others, such as believing there’s a conspiracy against them.
Disordered thinking and speech – thoughts may come rapidly and feel jumbled, making speech fast, confusing, or difficult to follow.

These symptoms can be deeply distressing and may lead to noticeable changes in behaviour.

What Causes Psychosis?

Psychosis can sometimes be linked to an underlying mental health condition, including:

Schizophrenia – a condition that causes a range of psychological symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Bipolar disorder – a mood disorder where individuals experience extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression), sometimes accompanied by psychotic symptoms.
Severe depression – in some cases, intense depressive episodes can lead to psychotic symptoms.

Psychosis can also be brought on by:

Traumatic experiences
High levels of stress
Misuse of drugs or alcohol
Side effects of certain prescribed medications
Physical health conditions
Head injuries
Childbirth (known as postpartum psychosis)

The frequency and duration of psychotic episodes often depend on the underlying cause. Some people may experience a single episode, while others might have recurring symptoms over time.

Treating Psychosis

Treatment for psychosis varies depending on the cause, but it typically includes a combination of:

Antipsychotic medication – helps reduce or relieve symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Talking therapies – approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and family interventions can support recovery. Family interventions may involve partners, relatives, or close friends.
Social support – assistance with practical needs such as housing, education, or employment can play a key role in recovery.

Some people may need to take antipsychotic medication long-term, possibly for life. Others may be able to gradually reduce their dosage and eventually stop, especially if their symptoms improve significantly.

In cases where symptoms are severe or pose a risk to the individual or others, admission to a psychiatric hospital may be necessary to provide intensive care and support.

How to Access PSYPHER

You can access PSYPHER by:

Speaking to your GP, who can refer you
Calling us directly on 01482 336786

Getting support early can make a big difference, so we aim to meet with you within 14 days of receiving a referral. We'll arrange to meet in a setting that feels safe and comfortable for you.

We also believe that recovery is most effective when it’s supported by the people who matter to you. With your permission, we may involve your family, friends, or carers in your care to help you feel more supported throughout your journey.

What Happens Next?

Over the course of a few meetings, we’ll work with you – and if appropriate, your family – to understand your mental health and decide whether PSYPHER is the right service for you.

If PSYPHER is the best fit, you’ll be introduced to a Care Coordinator. This person will be your main point of contact and will support you in making the most of what PSYPHER has to offer.

The PSYPHER Team

PSYPHER is made up of a diverse team of professionals, each offering different types of support. Depending on your needs, you may work with:

Nurses – providing physical and mental health care
Social Workers – supporting practical and emotional wellbeing
Support Time and Recovery (STR) Workers – offering day-to-day guidance and encouragement
Occupational Therapists – helping you build independence and manage daily activities
Employment Specialists – assisting with work, training, or education goals
Psychologists – offering therapeutic support and psychological assessment
Cognitive Behavioural Therapists – helping you manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviours
Family Therapists – strengthening family relationships and support systems
Psychiatrists – providing medical assessments and treatment planning

Together, our team works to offer holistic, person-centred care tailored to your recovery journey.

Service Feedback

“PSYPHER provided us with help and support through some very difficult times. We took advantage of every offer of help and with their support we are finally starting to get our lives back on track”.
“It meant a lot…to be able to get me to push my boundaries, get me out of my comfort zone so to speak”.
“Our support was and is amazing, with an amazing person who always helped us when needed and had shown a lot of understanding…. Understanding our problems, helped with university and benefits system”.
“I’ve made some brilliant friends for life…without it I’d be lost…without these Wednesday sessions and the art class they do on a Tuesday…without contact basically every week I’d be in a much worse place than I am now”
“I think it’s like arts and crafts courses and stuff like that. I think all these things kind of contribute towards…making people comfortable enough to push the boundaries you know, building confidence…I think all them things are crucial towards like…recovery in the long run”.