BEFORE STAGE FOUR: CONFRONTING EARLY PSYCHOSIS

BEFORE STAGE FOUR: CONFRONTING EARLY PSYCHOSIS offers a stark yet hopeful look into a new movement in the mental health community. The compelling story takes viewers across the country — from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to San Francisco, California.

The documentary features several personal stories, including that of Paul Gionfriddo's (president and CEO of Mental Health America in Washington, D.C.), adult son who became a casualty of the mental health system — and is now dealing with long-term schizophrenia and chronic homelessness in San Francisco. It also focuses on First Episode Psychosis (FEP) early treatment programs that are literally saving young lives, including a highly regarded center in Philadelphia. Also featured are ground-breaking brain studies from the University of Pittsburgh that could one day predict a young person's vulnerability to psychosis so that families can intervene "Before Stage Four."