Question 1

What is a thought disorder?

Accepted Answer

A thought disorder is a disruption in how a person organizes, processes, or expresses thoughts. It can include conditions on the psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum, as well as related neurodivergent and mood presentations.

Question 2

Who do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in teens (13–17) and young adults (18–35) with early or established thought disorders, including co-occurring conditions like Autism, OCD, anxiety, and depression.

Question 3

What is Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)?

Accepted Answer

CSC is an evidence-based, team-delivered model validated by the NIMH RAISE studies. It combines psychiatry, individual therapy, family psychoeducation, supported employment/education, and case management.

Question 4

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are out-of-network, although we work with most major commercial plans. Contact our team for a free benefits check and consultation.

Question 5

Do you offer telehealth?

Accepted Answer

All of our CSC program is in-person at our Los Angeles offices, with the except of the behavioral family therapy program.  This is delievered via telemedicine to accomodates families distributed throughout the country

Question 6

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Call 888-710-PAND or request a free consultation. We'll help you understand what you are seeing and match you to the right care pathway.

Question 7

What if my loved one refuses treatment?

Accepted Answer

Refusal is common, especially early in psychosis, schizophrenia, autism, or OCD, and it doesn't mean hope is lost. Our guide walks families through practical strategies that preserve trust, reduce conflict, and keep the door open to care.

Question 8

What is psychosis?

Accepted Answer

"Psychosis" is a term that is often misunderstood. Psychosis is a real medical condition for which effective treatments are available. Hearing things that other people do not hear, or holding strong beliefs about being persecuted that other people don't share, are examples of typical symptoms of psychosis. Other examples include: strange experiences (such as thinking that others can read your mind or that thoughts are being broadcast outside your head), confused or blocked thinking, or the experience that particular words, colors, or other things in the environment have taken on special meaning to you. These experiences are usually puzzling and distressing. Not everyone with psychosis will have all of these symptoms, they may just have one or two, but they will still require similar treatment.

Question 9

What is schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia is the most common form of psychosis. Not everyone who has a first episode of psychosis will end up having schizophrenia, psychosis can be a manifestation of other conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, substance misuse or in rare cases can even be as a result of a medical illness. Schizophrenia can only be diagnosed when the illness has been present for at least six months. It too is treatable, with many recovering from their initial episode and living fulfilling lives. It is not a "split personality" and contrary to popular belief, people with schizophrenia are not characteristically violent.

Question 10

Why is earlier treatment better…can't we wait to see if it goes away?

Accepted Answer

Psychosis and schizophrenia are treatable medical conditions and research throughout the world has shown that the earlier the treatment the faster the recovery. Early treatment also helps prevent symptoms becoming severe and more difficult to treat. In addition it also results in less stress and anxiety for both the patient and the family.

Question 11

I am not "psychotic," why should I come to a program that evaluates and treats psychotic people?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes it is important to be sure that psychosis is not present, so a visit with us reassures you and your family members. If psychosis is present, it is important to determine its cause. Psychosis is likely to be causing you and your family a good deal of stress and anxiety. Effective treatment can alleviate this stress and anxiety and help you to move on with your life. At times, we will disagree with you about whether or not you have experienced psychosis. In these cases, we still can work together and “agree to disagree.” One thing that we often find we can agree on, however, are areas in which there might be problems, such as sleep problems, anxiety, depression, or stress-related problems at home, work, or school. We may focus with you on these problems rather than on psychosis.

Question 12

My loved one is expressing beliefs that seem completely disconnected from reality (like being followed, tracked, or having special powers), or they seem to be responding to voices I cannot hear. What is happening, and how should I react?

Question 13

My loved one is clearly unwell, dropping out of life, and acting strangely, but they completely refuse to acknowledge that anything is wrong and refuse to see a doctor. Are they just being stubborn or in denial?

Question 14

Over the last year, my previously active child has completely withdrawn. They stay in their room, have stopped showering, dropped out of school, and show absolutely no emotion. Are they severely depressed, using drugs, or is this something else?

Question 15

My loved one's behavior has become completely erratic, and I am worried about their safety and the safety of our family. They refuse to go to the emergency room. What are my options for managing a psychiatric crisis?

Question 16

Why is it happening to us?

Accepted Answer

It is a stressful time for everybody and it is important to be aware that developing a psychotic illness is not the fault of either the person or the family. Psychosis is a medical condition just like asthma or diabetes and can affect anyone at any time. Because it is a disease of the brain, it affects people's thinking, behavior and the way they perceive the world around them. This, and the fact that there is no laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis can make it confusing for patients and their families.

Question 17

Maybe it will go away?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes it can be difficult to accept that this is happening and many people are tempted to wait and see if the problem will go away by itself. However, like other medical conditions, this does not tend to occur and neither a person nor their family can make their symptoms go away by willpower or discussion. However, with appropriate treatments, many can and do recover, and in fact the earlier that people get the right help, the faster and better the recovery.

Question 18

Why did we not notice there was a problem sooner?

Accepted Answer

With the benefit of hindsight, families will often report that there were a number of non-specific warning signs leading up to the moment where it was obvious that there was a problem. These warning signs include problems such as emotional changes, disturbed sleep, decline in function at work or school, apparent loss of interest, lack of drive and/or social isolation. Health professionals refer to this period as the "prodrome," and due to its non-specific nature, it is difficult to detect in these early stages, even for them. Just like families are not responsible for the illness occurring they should not feel responsible for not recognizing it sooner.

Question 19

What is psychosis like?

Accepted Answer

Psychosis can feel very different from one person to another. Common experiences include hearing voices, seeing things that others do not, feeling that thoughts are being monitored or broadcast, or holding strong beliefs that feel true even when others disagree. First-person accounts and clinical simulations can help patients and families better understand these experiences.

Question 20

What can we do now?

Accepted Answer

Families have a huge role to play in the recovery of individuals with psychosis. They can help their relative access the best care and they can endeavor to learn as much as they can about the illness (see list of suggested reading material). This helps families understand some of what their loved one is experiencing and also puts them in a better position to be able to help. The first thing to do is to get an appointment with a mental health professional. Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards recovery. Centers that specialize in first-episode psychosis are probably the best equipped to do this.

Question 21

Does treatment always include medication?

Accepted Answer

The decision to recommend medication is only made after a full evaluation. Your doctor may believe that medication will be the quickest route to recovery, but generally it will be the person's choice whether or not he or she agrees to try the recommended medication. Some people will want to learn more about medication before agreeing to try it. Some people have found it helpful to at least take some medication temporarily to help stress, anxiety, and sleep problems that have interfered with the ability to function normally. In some cases it may be necessary for the courts to order a person to take medication for their own safety or the safety of others.

Question 22

Are there psychological treatments that could help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One successful treatment is called CBT, which stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The focus of this treatment is to reduce stress and teach people how to cope with symptoms like anxiety, paranoia, depression and hearing voices. Typically, patients come once a week to meet with a therapist. Typically, CBT is combined with medications.

Question 23

Why don't they know that they're sick?

Accepted Answer

One of the more common issues that arise with families is that often people suffering from a psychotic illness do not even believe that they are ill. This can be very frustrating for friends and families and trying to convince someone that they are ill may result in arguments. In this situation, it is often useful to talk about the problems that the person themselves thinks they are having and trying to agree on how the treatment being offered may help with those, rather than focusing on getting the person to see that they are ill.

Question 24

Why won't they listen to me?

Accepted Answer

Another situation that can be difficult is when a family member wishes to talk about their symptoms or strange beliefs. It is important to remember that these beliefs are very real for the person and it might not be helpful to try to disprove them or directly question their reality. This can lead to arguments and to the person shutting down and no longer disclosing their experiences. A useful strategy may be to empathize with the feelings that the person has as a result of their symptoms without commenting on their reality. If a person insists on an opinion, it is best to be truthful while acknowledging that they are a very real concern for them.

Question 25

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Pand Health is an out-of-network provider for both our teen and adult programs, and we work with most major commercial insurance carriers to help families access coordinated specialty care.

Question 26

How do you help with benefits and costs?

Accepted Answer

Our admissions team verifies your out-of-network benefits, explains your coverage in plain language, and outlines expected out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

Question 27

What if my plan isn't listed?

Accepted Answer

We routinely work with additional carriers beyond those listed. Reach out and we'll verify your specific plan and walk you through your options.

Question 28

Do you provide superbills or single-case agreements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide monthly superbills for reimbursement and pursue single-case agreements with your insurer when appropriate.

Question 29

When is payment for treatment due?

Accepted Answer

Payment is due at admission. Installment plans are available depending on program length and the personalized services included in your care.

Question 30

How much will insurance reimburse?

Accepted Answer

Reimbursement varies by carrier and plan. Our team handles verification, utilization review, and appeals of denied prior authorization on your behalf to help you pursue the maximum reimbursement available.

Psychosis Spectrum

Co-occurring Conditions

Frequently asked questions about Pand Health.

Uncovering the path to recovery

What can we do?

About our care

Insurance & reimbursement

Still have questions?

Stay informed. Clinical insights.

Frequently asked questions about Pand Health.

Uncovering the path to recovery

What is psychosis?

What is schizophrenia?

Why is earlier treatment better…can't we wait to see if it goes away?

I am not "psychotic," why should I come to a program that evaluates and treats psychotic people?

What can we do?

My loved one is expressing beliefs that seem completely disconnected from reality (like being followed, tracked, or having special powers), or they seem to be responding to voices I cannot hear. What is happening, and how should I react?

My loved one is clearly unwell, dropping out of life, and acting strangely, but they completely refuse to acknowledge that anything is wrong and refuse to see a doctor. Are they just being stubborn or in denial?

Over the last year, my previously active child has completely withdrawn. They stay in their room, have stopped showering, dropped out of school, and show absolutely no emotion. Are they severely depressed, using drugs, or is this something else?

My loved one's behavior has become completely erratic, and I am worried about their safety and the safety of our family. They refuse to go to the emergency room. What are my options for managing a psychiatric crisis?

Why is it happening to us?

Maybe it will go away?

Why did we not notice there was a problem sooner?

What is psychosis like?

What can we do now?

Does treatment always include medication?

Are there psychological treatments that could help?

Why don't they know that they're sick?

Why won't they listen to me?

About our care

What is a thought disorder?

Who do you treat?

What is Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)?

Do you accept insurance?

Do you offer telehealth?

How do I get started?

What if my loved one refuses treatment?

Insurance & reimbursement

Do you accept insurance?

How do you help with benefits and costs?

What if my plan isn't listed?

Do you provide superbills or single-case agreements?

When is payment for treatment due?

How much will insurance reimburse?

Still have questions?

Stay informed. Clinical insights.

Keep reading