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.
Schizophrenia and psychosis are treatable, and with the right care many people manage their symptoms well and live full lives. The earlier treatment starts, the better people tend to do. You don’t have to navigate it alone — below are the options that work, what to expect when you reach out, and how to take the next step.
Your treatment options
Effective treatment usually combines several supports that work together over time:
- Antipsychotic medication. A cornerstone of treatment, medication helps many people reduce and manage symptoms. Finding the right medication and dose is a collaborative process with a prescriber.
- Therapy and skills support. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family education, and social- and daily-living skills support help people cope and stay well.
- Coordinated specialty care for first-episode psychosis. Team-based programs that combine therapy, medication, family involvement, and help with work or school are especially effective when started early (NIMH).
- The right level of care. Most care is community-based and outpatient. During acute episodes, residential or hospital care can provide safety and stabilization, usually as a short-term step.
- Ongoing support. Peer support, case management, and help with housing or employment support long-term recovery.
Browse our treatment guides — and a short conversation can help you find a qualified provider.
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.
- 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; 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. Two things change outcomes more than almost anything else: getting started early, and not going it alone. When medication, therapy, family support, and help with everyday life pull in the same direction, people surprise themselves with how much life they get back. Reaching out is the first move.
If you’re ready, talk to someone about your options now — it’s free to call and there’s no obligation. For the bigger picture, see our guide to schizophrenia and psychosis and symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective treatment for schizophrenia?
Most people do best with a combination: antipsychotic medication to manage symptoms, plus therapy and support such as CBT, family education, and help with work or school. For a first episode of psychosis, team-based coordinated specialty care started early is especially effective.
Does treatment mean staying in a hospital?
Usually not. The majority of care happens in the community, on an outpatient basis. Hospital or residential care is used mainly during acute episodes to provide safety and stabilization, and is typically short-term before stepping back down to community care.
How do I pay for treatment?
Most insurance plans and Medicaid cover treatment for schizophrenia and psychosis. Free and low-cost options also exist, including the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357), community mental health centers, and FQHCs. Our Find Help pages list options by state.
Sources
- Schizophrenia — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Schizophrenia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Find Help: SAMHSA National Helpline — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- 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.