Experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking can be frightening for patients and families. At Cura Mind and Wellness, we provide careful, respectful treatment for psychotic disorders across the Houston metro, with in person services in Richmond, TX and secure telepsychiatry when clinically appropriate. Care is directed by Vivian Emuobe, MSN, BSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with inpatient and outpatient experience, program leadership, and a whole person approach to recovery.
Our priority is safety, clarity, and steady improvement. We combine precise diagnosis, evidence based medication management, therapy supports, family education, and close medical monitoring to help patients regain stability and function.
What are psychotic disorders
Psychosis refers to symptoms such as hallucinations, hearing or seeing things others do not, delusions, fixed false beliefs, disorganized speech or behavior, and changes in motivation or thinking. These symptoms can occur in several conditions, including:
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Brief psychotic disorder
- Delusional disorder
- Mood disorders with psychotic features, bipolar or major depression
- Substance or medication induced psychosis
Early, coordinated treatment improves outcomes, preserves school or work roles, and reduces the chance of hospitalization.
First episode psychosis, acting early matters
When psychosis appears for the first time, prompt evaluation and treatment can shorten the duration of untreated psychosis and support recovery. We prioritize rapid access, family involvement when consented, education about symptoms and medications, and practical steps to reduce distress, sleep disruption, and safety risks. Telehealth may be used for early check ins, with in person visits for exams, labs, and higher touch support.
Our evaluation, clarity before action
We begin with a comprehensive assessment that respects privacy and culture while gathering the details needed for a precise plan.
- Safety screening, current risks, self care capacity, and need for higher level care
- Symptom mapping, onset, triggers, sleep changes, substance use, stressors
- Medical review, vital signs, medication list, relevant labs, metabolic and thyroid screening, pregnancy status when relevant
- Differential diagnosis, distinguishing primary psychosis from mood disorders, trauma, neurocognitive changes, or substance effects
- Family and social context, supports, housing, school or work demands, transportation
- Shared goals, fewer voices, clearer thinking, better sleep, a realistic path back to class or work
If an emergency is present, we direct patients to urgent or inpatient care. Outpatient treatment is appropriate only when safety and support allow.
Telepsychiatry, when it helps and when it does not
Telehealth can increase access and continuity for stable patients, follow ups, family sessions, and psychoeducation. During acute symptoms, severe disorganization, intoxication, or when medical exams are needed, in person care is preferred. We decide together what format is safest and most effective at each stage.
Treatment at Cura Mind and Wellness
Medication management, careful and collaborative
Antipsychotic medications reduce hallucinations, delusions, agitation, and disorganized thought. Selection is individualized based on prior response, side effects, co-existing conditions, and patient preference. We discuss expected benefits, timelines, and side effects in clear language.
When adherence is difficult or relapses are frequent, long acting injectable antipsychotics can improve stability. For treatment resistant illness, we discuss next step strategies, including the requirements and monitoring for clozapine when clinically indicated. Pharmacogenomic gene testing is available through our Richmond office to inform choices when side effects or non response have been problematic.
Medical and metabolic monitoring
Antipsychotics can affect weight, glucose, lipids, movement, and prolactin. We follow national guidelines for metabolic labs, weight and waist checks, AIMS exams for movement side effects, and EKG when a medication has cardiac considerations. Early detection and dose adjustments help protect long term health.
Therapy and skills that support recovery
Therapy complements medication by building insight and practical coping.
- CBT for psychosis, CBTp, reality testing, coping with voices, and reducing distress
- Psychoeducation, understanding symptoms, relapse warning signs, and medication plans
- Social and occupational support, gentle return to routines, school coordination, or work documentation
- Family work, education about symptoms, communication strategies, and guidance to reduce expressed emotion and crisis cycles
When trauma, anxiety, depression, or substance use co exist, we address them in the same plan to prevent setbacks.
Coordinated care and community resources
Recovery often requires a team. With consent, we coordinate with primary care, therapists, schools, or employers, and connect patients to community programs, supported education or employment, and peer resources in the Houston area. Transportation, housing stability, and nutrition are part of the conversation, not afterthoughts.
What progress looks like
Recovery is more than fewer symptoms. We measure and celebrate practical gains:
- Voices are quieter, less commanding, or easier to ignore
- Fewer paranoid beliefs, improved trust in familiar environments
- Better sleep and daily structure
- Returning to classes, a part time schedule, or family routines
- Fewer crises and emergency visits, more days that feel steady
Relapse prevention plans include early warning sign checklists, medication strategies, sleep and stress routines, and a clear contact pathway for concerns.
Houston and Richmond access
Patients come from Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Missouri City, and Fort Bend County for structured, humane care. Evaluations and many follow ups can be completed by secure video, with Richmond available for in person exams, labs, injections, and family meetings. Our goal is consistent, stigma reducing care that fits real life.
Important notes about advanced treatments
Some advanced treatments in psychiatry are not appropriate for primary psychotic disorders. IV ketamine is generally not used when a psychotic disorder is present, and we avoid it if active psychosis or a history of ketamine induced psychosis exists. TMS is used at our practice for depression and OCD, not as a first line treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We explain why, and we focus on options with the best safety and efficacy for your diagnosis.
FAQs, Psychotic Disorders in Houston and Richmond
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Agitation and sleep may improve in days, while hallucinations and delusions often reduce over two to six weeks. We reassess regularly and adjust as needed.
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If missed doses or frequent relapses are concerns, a long acting injectable can provide stable levels and fewer daily decisions. We review benefits and logistics.
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Yes. We check weight, blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and sometimes EKG or prolactin depending on the medication. Monitoring keeps treatment safer.
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Yes. CBTp and psychoeducation reduce distress, improve coping with voices or beliefs, and support a quicker return to roles and routines.
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Relapses can occur. Early warning plans and quick adjustments usually prevent crises. We encourage patients and families to contact us at the first signs of change.
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Absolutely. Cannabis, stimulants, and alcohol can worsen psychosis and relapse risk. We provide harm reduction strategies, counseling, and referrals when needed.
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Telehealth can be effective for stable follow ups. During acute episodes or when exams and injections are needed, in person visits in Richmond are recommended.
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Yes. We differentiate primary psychosis from mood disorders with psychotic features and tailor medication and therapy accordingly.
Why patients choose Cura Mind and Wellness
- Board certified leadership, direct care from an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Integrated approach, medication, therapy, metabolic monitoring, and community coordination
- Safety first, clear crisis planning and honest discussions about what setting is safest
- Whole person focus, sleep, nutrition, routines, and relationships included in every plan
- Local availability, Richmond office access with telehealth across Houston for continuity
Take a steadier step forward
Psychosis is treatable, and recovery is possible. Cura Mind and Wellness offers careful evaluation, medication expertise, therapy, and coordinated support for patients across Houston, with Richmond as a convenient anchor for in person care. Together, we will build a plan that prioritizes safety, respects your goals, and helps you return to the life you want.