Psych TEAM Clinics

The Psych TEAM Clinics are a group of three early-intervention mental health clinics focused on addressing the first signs of psychosis, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.

One in four Alabamians will develop a mental illness or substance use disorder during their lifetime. Treating these conditions earlier often leads to better outcomes. The first symptoms usually occur in adolescence or early adulthood, though sometimes earlier or later.

TEAM stands for Treatment, Evaluation, and Multidisciplinary Approaches, reflecting a care model designed for early intervention. The Psych TEAM Clinics are led by psychiatrists with expertise in child and adolescent psychiatry who use treatment approaches informed by the neurobiology of mental illness. Care includes evaluation and diagnosis, followed by a combination of psychotherapy, medication, patient and family education to help in addressing social and economic challenges.

The Psych TEAM Clinics

First Episode Clinic (FEC) for Psychosis

Psychosis occurs when someone is having abnormal thoughts, internal experiences, or perceptions that reflect a loss of contact with reality. You or a loved one may benefit from this clinic if experiencing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia.

Psychosis is commonly caused by conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression with psychotic features, or substance-induced psychosis.

Early Intervention Clinic (EIC) for Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state, causing long periods of excessive sadness, happiness, or both.

You or a loved one may benefit from this clinic if experiencing:

• Ongoing changes in mood, such as persistent sadness, emptiness, or periods of unusually elevated or irritable mood
• Changes in energy or motivation, including fatigue, restlessness, or reduced ability to engage in daily activities
• Disruptions in sleep or appetite, such as sleeping too much or too little, or significant changes in eating patterns
• Difficulty functioning day to day, including problems with concentration, decision-making, work, school, or relationships

Mood disorders are commonly associated with conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar I or II disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, or substance-induced mood disorders.

Early Intervention Clinic for Substance Use Disorders (EIC-SUD)

Substance use disorders occur when the repeated use of alcohol or other substances begins to interfere with a person’s health, daily functioning, or ability to meet responsibilities.

Substance use disorders may involve alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances and can range from emerging concerns to more established patterns of use.

You or a loved one may benefit from this clinic if experiencing:

• Difficulty controlling substance use, such as using more often or in larger amounts than intended
• Increasing impact on daily life, including problems at work, school, or in relationships
• Changes in behavior, mood, or motivation related to substance use
• Continued use despite negative consequences, such as health concerns or safety risks

Why choose UAB Medicine?

UAB Medicine is a leader in addressing serious health challenges affecting people across our region, including mental illness and substance use disorders. For more than 10 years, UAB’s First Episode Psychosis Program has applied an early-intervention, team-based approach to care for individuals experiencing the first signs of psychosis. With Psych TEAM Clinics, UAB has expanded this proven model to include early intervention for mood disorders and substance use disorders, forging a uniquely proactive approach to mental health care.

If you or a loved one may benefit from care through the Psych TEAM Clinics, the next step is to schedule an evaluation.

• No referral is required.
• Patients or their loved ones can contact the UAB ACCESS Center directly at 205-934-7008 and request an appointment with the Psych TEAM Clinics.
• Our team will help determine which clinic is the best fit and guide you through the next steps.

Related Specialties

• Addiction Recovery Services
• Beacon Recovery Program
• Psychiatry Services