Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious, complex condition that requires specialized, ongoing care. Greater Boston Psychiatric Services provides ongoing medication management for adults with an established schizophrenia diagnosis, by telehealth or in person at our office in Medway.

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric condition that affects how a person thinks, perceives reality, and relates to others. Core features include psychosis — hallucinations (perceiving things that aren't there) and delusions (fixed false beliefs) — along with disorganized thinking or speech, and, for many people, reduced motivation or emotional expression. Schizophrenia is a long-term condition that's managed rather than cured, and consistent medication management is central to helping people maintain stability.

Signs & Symptoms

• Hallucinations — most commonly hearing voices, but sometimes involving other senses

• Delusions — fixed, false beliefs that persist despite evidence against them

• Disorganized thinking or speech that's difficult for others to follow

• Reduced motivation, emotional expression, or social withdrawal

• Difficulty with concentration or memory

• In many cases, reduced insight into the presence of the condition itself

Causes & Risk Factors

• Genetics — schizophrenia has a significant hereditary component

• Differences in brain structure and neurotransmitter activity, particularly involving dopamine

• Prenatal factors, such as exposure to certain infections or complications during birth

• Significant stress, which can trigger onset or relapse in someone predisposed to the condition

• Substance use, particularly heavy cannabis or stimulant use, which is associated with increased risk in vulnerable individuals

How It's Diagnosed

Important note: GBPS provides ongoing medication management for patients with an established schizophrenia diagnosis, rather than initial diagnostic evaluation for suspected first-episode psychosis. A new or first episode of psychosis is best evaluated and stabilized through an in-person, higher level of care — often starting with an emergency evaluation or a specialized early-psychosis program — given the complexity and safety considerations involved. If you already have a schizophrenia diagnosis and are looking to continue or transfer your ongoing medication management, we're able to help.

Treatment Options

Schizophrenia is treated primarily with antipsychotic medication, which is the foundation of managing psychotic symptoms and preventing relapse. Treatment is long-term, and consistent follow-up is essential — for monitoring symptom control, managing medication side effects, and adjusting the treatment plan as needed. Many patients also benefit from supportive therapy, case management, or community support services alongside medication, and we're glad to coordinate with other providers involved in your care.

When to Seek Help

If you have an existing schizophrenia diagnosis and need to establish or continue ongoing medication management, contact us to discuss your history and current treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing a first episode of psychosis or a mental health crisis, please seek immediate in-person evaluation — call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis line.

Insurance & Self-Pay

We're in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, Optum, Tufts Health Plan, Wellpoint, United Healthcare, HPI, Mass General Brigham, Carelon, UMR, and UniCare. Self-pay options are available. We are unable to bill Medicare, Medicaid, or supplemental plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you diagnose schizophrenia for the first time, or only manage existing diagnoses?

We provide ongoing medication management for patients who already have an established schizophrenia diagnosis. A first episode of psychosis requires in-person, higher-level evaluation and stabilization, which isn't something telehealth is the appropriate starting point for.

Can schizophrenia be managed through telehealth at all?

Yes — once a diagnosis is established and a patient is stable, ongoing medication management by telehealth is a well-supported and increasingly common model of care, and we also offer in-person visits at our Medway office for patients who prefer that.

What medications are used to manage schizophrenia?

Antipsychotic medications are the foundation of treatment, and there are many options, including some available as long-acting injections rather than daily pills. Your clinician will review your history and current medication to determine the right ongoing plan.

Will I need medication for the rest of my life?

Schizophrenia is generally a lifelong condition, and most patients require long-term antipsychotic treatment to maintain stability and prevent relapse. Stopping medication is one of the most common causes of relapse, which is why consistent follow-up matters.

Do you coordinate with other providers involved in my care?

Yes, with your consent we're glad to stay in contact with a therapist, case manager, or other providers involved in your treatment to keep your care coordinated.

What if I'm switching from another psychiatrist or clinic?

Bring a list of your current medications and, if possible, recent records to your first appointment. Your clinician will review your treatment history before making any changes, to keep your transition as stable as possible.

Related Conditions We Treat

Schizophrenia often overlaps with, or can be mistaken for, other conditions. We also provide evaluation and medication management for Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Sleep Disturbance.

Get Started

If you're experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, the first step is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, available by telehealth or in person at our office in Medway. Schedule an appointment or view our full list of conditions we treat.