Schizophrenia treatment in Bellevue, WASteady, respectful care for the long run.
Ongoing psychiatric care for schizophrenia
Schizophrenia affects how a person thinks, perceives and connects with the world. With consistent treatment and a team that knows them, many people manage symptoms well and pursue the goals that matter to them.
- Care for adolescents and adults
- In person in Bellevue or by telehealth
- In-network with most major insurance plans
- No diagnosis needed to reach out
In-Person & Telehealth
Understanding Schizophrenia
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious, long-term mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels and perceives reality. It can cause psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions, along with disorganized thinking and reduced motivation or emotional expression.
Schizophrenia most often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. It is caused by a combination of genetic, brain-based and environmental factors. It is not a split personality, and with treatment many people live meaningful, productive lives.
When to seek help
Early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes, so if you or a loved one notice signs of psychosis, reach out promptly. If someone is in danger of harming themselves or others, call or text 988 or call 911.
Common signs of schizophrenia
Symptoms often develop gradually. Family members and friends may notice changes before the person does.
- Hearing, seeing or sensing things others don’t
- Strongly held beliefs that aren’t based in reality
- Disorganized speech or trouble following a train of thought
- Withdrawing from friends, family or activities
- Reduced motivation, emotion or self-care
- Unusual suspicion or difficulty telling what’s real
Our approach
How we treat schizophrenia
We provide consistent outpatient psychiatric care focused on stability, safety and the person’s own goals, with family involved when the patient wants that.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation
We review symptoms, history and medical factors, rule out other causes of psychosis, and look at related concerns such as mood, anxiety or substance use.
Medication management
Antipsychotic medication is the foundation of treatment. We work to find the right medication and dose with the fewest side effects, and monitor physical health along the way.
Family and community support
With permission, we involve family and coordinate with therapists, case managers and community programs, and help arrange a higher level of care if it’s needed.
Ongoing support
Regular follow-up visits, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth anywhere in Washington State, so we can track how you’re doing and adjust your plan as you go.
Questions
Schizophrenia FAQs
Can schizophrenia be treated?
Yes. While schizophrenia is a long-term condition, treatment can greatly reduce symptoms and help prevent relapses. Many people live independently, work and maintain relationships with consistent care.
What is the main treatment for schizophrenia?
Antipsychotic medication is the core treatment, combined with therapy, family support, and help with work, school and daily living. Long-acting injectable medications are an option for some people.
Is schizophrenia the same as split personality?
No. Schizophrenia does not mean having multiple personalities. It affects thinking and perception, sometimes causing hallucinations or delusions. Dissociative identity disorder is a separate condition.
How can families help a loved one with schizophrenia?
Learning about the condition, supporting treatment, keeping routines steady and staying connected all help. With the patient’s permission, we include family in care planning. Family support groups can also be valuable.
What should I do if someone is having a psychotic episode?
Stay calm, speak simply and avoid arguing with their beliefs. If there’s any risk of harm to themselves or others, call or text 988 or call 911. For ongoing care, reach out to schedule an evaluation.
What are the early warning signs of psychosis?
Early signs often build gradually and can include pulling away from friends and family, a drop in school or work performance, trouble sleeping, unusual or suspicious thoughts, and finding it hard to think clearly. Getting care early can lead to better long-term outcomes.
Is schizophrenia genetic?
Genes play a role. Having a close relative with schizophrenia raises the risk, but most people with a family history never develop it. It comes from a mix of genetic, brain-based and environmental factors, not from anything a person or family did wrong.
How long is the first appointment for schizophrenia?
The first psychiatric evaluation takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up visits take about 30 minutes, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card and a list of current medications. Records from earlier evaluations, hospital stays or treatment help too, and a family member or support person is welcome to join if you’d like.
Do you offer schizophrenia treatment by telehealth?
Yes. Evaluations and follow-up visits are available by secure telehealth anywhere in Washington State, as well as in person at our Bellevue office.
Is schizophrenia treatment covered by insurance?
We’re in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare, and self-pay is available. Before your first visit, our team verifies your coverage.
Related conditions we treat
Getting started is easier than you think
Taking the first step toward mental health care can feel like a lot. We keep the process simple and clear, so you always know what’s happening next, from your first call to ongoing care.
Reach out
Call, text or get started online. Our team is happy to answer any questions and help you get scheduled.
Your first visit
An evaluation, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth anywhere in Washington State, to understand your history and goals.
Your personal plan
Together we’ll talk through what may be going on and start building a plan around your needs, explained in plain language.
Ongoing support
We follow your progress closely and adjust as you go, with regular check-ins and the same team beside you at every step.
Get started
Feeling better starts with one appointment
Reaching out is often the hardest part, and you’ve already started by being here. Schedule an evaluation and we’ll help you understand what’s going on and what can help, whether that’s medication, NeuroStar® TMS or SPRAVATO®. Care for children, adolescents and adults, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth throughout Washington State.
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plans
- Bridgespan
- Cigna
- First Choice Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- LifeWise
- Lucent Health
- Medicare
- Moda Health
- Premera
- Regence
- Regence Group Administrators
- TRICARE
- TriWest
- United Healthcare
We verify your benefits before your first visit.Self-pay options available.