This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
If you or someone you love is dealing with schizophrenia or psychosis, here’s the most important thing to know first: with treatment, many people manage their symptoms well and build full, meaningful lives. These conditions are treatable, help is available, and starting early makes a real difference. Below are the treatment options that work, what to expect when you reach out, and how to find help where you live.
Your treatment options
Treatment is usually most effective when several supports work together over time:
- Medication. Antipsychotic medications are a cornerstone of treatment and help many people reduce or manage symptoms. A prescriber works with you to find the right fit.
- Therapy and skills support. Approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with family education and social-skills support, help people cope and stay well.
- Coordinated specialty care. For a first episode of psychosis, team-based programs that combine therapy, medication, family support, and help with work or school are especially effective when started early (NIMH).
- The right level of care. Most care happens in the community. During acute episodes, more intensive support — including residential or hospital care — can provide safety and stabilization.
- Ongoing support. Peer support, case management, and help with daily living support long-term recovery.
Browse our treatment guides, and remember that a short conversation can help you find the right starting point.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here’s exactly what to expect:
- A specialist answers and asks a few questions about what’s going on and the kind of help you’re looking for.
- It’s a no-pressure conversation. There’s no obligation, and you can stop any time.
- They can help you understand options, including cost and insurance.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help. If you’d rather not use it, the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) runs 24/7, and 988 is always available if you or someone else may be at risk.
Find help in your state
Options, coverage, and costs differ by state. Use Find Help by State for your state’s mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost programs — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on the level of care, your insurance, and where you live, so there’s no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover treatment for schizophrenia and psychosis; coverage varies by plan and state.
- Free and low-cost options exist everywhere — the SAMHSA National Helpline, 988, community mental health centers, and FQHCs.
- A specialist or your state’s resources can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. The fear and stigma around these diagnoses can be heavier than the symptoms. I want families to hear that a diagnosis is not a verdict on someone’s future. With the right treatment and support — and the earlier the better — people go back to school, hold jobs, and rebuild relationships. Hope here is realistic, not naïve.
If you’re ready, talk to someone about your options now — it’s free to call and there’s no obligation. You can also learn more about symptoms and treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Can people with schizophrenia or psychosis recover?
Yes. With treatment, many people manage their symptoms well and lead full, meaningful lives — working, studying, and maintaining relationships. Schizophrenia is a long-term condition for many, but ongoing care, support, and starting treatment early all improve how well people do.
What is the difference between psychosis and schizophrenia?
Psychosis is a set of symptoms — such as hallucinations or delusions — in which a person loses some contact with reality. It can have many causes. Schizophrenia is a specific diagnosis that includes ongoing psychosis along with other symptoms over time. Not everyone who experiences psychosis has schizophrenia.
What should I do if someone I love may be experiencing psychosis?
Stay calm and supportive, avoid arguing about whether their experiences are real, and help them connect with professional care as early as possible, since early treatment improves outcomes. If there's any risk of harm to themselves or others, call or text 988 for guidance any time.
Sources
- Schizophrenia — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Schizophrenia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Psychotic Disorders — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Schizophrenia — National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.