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VA/DoD 2023 Guideline for the Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia

VA and DOD clinical practice guidelines for FEP and Schizophrenia

The 2023 Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense (VA/DoD) Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia (SCZ) provides the latest guidance on evidence-based practices for practitioners throughout the VA and DOD. The CPG is based on a systematic review conducted by a multidisciplinary workgroup from VA and DoD and focuses on research conducted with individuals with schizophrenia, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or first-episode psychosis. The CPG also provides ratings on the quality of evidence available and the strength of the recommendation using the best information available at the time of publication.

A total of 41 evidence-based recommendations cover topics including:

  • Assessment and evaluation of suspected psychosis
  • Management of first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia
  • Non-pharmacological interventions for psychosis
  • Pharmacological interventions for psychosis
  • Pharmacological interventions for the treatment of side effects

How to Use these Guidelines

The guidelines are designed to provide information and assist in decision-making. They are not intended to define a standard of care and should not be construed as one. Neither should they be interpreted as prescribing an exclusive course of management. However, this CPG provides a valuable evidence-based framework for evaluating and managing care for patients with psychosis toward improving clinical outcomes.

Successful implementation of this CPG will:

  • Assess the patient’s condition and collaborate with the patient, family, and caregivers to determine optimal management of patient care;
  • Emphasize the use of patient-centered care and shared decision making;
  • Minimize preventable complications and morbidity; and
  • Optimize individual health outcomes and quality of life (QoL).

Download the full VA/DoD CPG for Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Access patient-provider tools, related guidelines, webinars, and additional resources from VA's Website

Additional Resources on Schizophrenia and Related Disorders

Helpful Brochures

Brochure - What Is Schizoaffective Disorder? This brochure covers basic facts about schizoaffective disorder including prevalence, diagnosis, symptoms, medication, how family members can help and treatments available. 

Brochure - What Is Schizophrenia? This brochure covers basic facts about schizophrenia including prevalence, diagnosis, symptoms, medication, how family members can help and treatments available. 

Brochure - Cognitive Training in Serious Mental IllnessThis brochure provides information about the different types of cognitive training, the conditions necessary to benefit from it, and how to access this intervention in the community.

Education Products for Clinicians

Veteran-Centered Brief Family Consultation Training Curriculum TMS (37314)

This four-hour course teaches clinicians the fundamentals of Family Consultation, a brief intervention in which the family meets with mental health professionals to resolve issues related to a patient's treatment and recovery. Participants will learn how to explore ways of integrating Family Consultation into their clinical work and practice the procedures in role plays. This course is accredited for ACCME, ACCME-NP, ANCC, APA, ASWB, NBCC, NYSED SW.

VA Only: Access course on the TMS website
Outside Community Providers: Access additional training opportunities on the TRAIN website

Instructional Set (DVD/CD) - Veteran-Centered Brief Family Consultation
The DVD presents instructional and educational information about the core skills of Family Consultation, and the CD provides handouts and assessment tools commonly used in the intervention.

Instructional Set (4 DVDs/CD) – Behavioral Family Therapy (BFT) for Serious Psychiatric Disorders  
The DVDs provide comprehensive training in BFT, and the CD provides lecture notes, assessment tools, and all the needed handouts to implement the intervention.

For hard copies of additional resources listed above, please email veronica.huerta2@va.gov 
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