Psychosis Treatment in Sacramento

At Vantage Point Center for Psychotherapy, we specialize in supporting individuals experiencing psychosis or “altered states.” Our approach is individualized—tailored to your needs and goals. Our team of therapists uses evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, DBT, and Open Dialogue treatment.

Supporting Recovery from Altered States

Understanding Altered States / Psychosis

Altered states are experiences that differ from what most people perceive. This may include:

Hallucinations

Hearing voices, seeing things, or sensing things others do not.

Extreme Beliefs

Strong beliefs that may feel unusual to others, which can affect daily life and relationships.

You may also experience difficulty concentrating, feeling disconnected from others, or losing track of time. Psychotherapy can help you understand, manage, and cope with these experiences.


Treatment Approaches

Other Approaches and Supports:

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Helps manage intense emotions and improve interpersonal effectiveness.

Group Therapy & Peer Support: Provides connection, understanding, and shared learning from others with similar experiences.

Case Management & Community Resources: Ensures access to supportive housing, psychiatric care, and social services when needed.

At Vantage Point, our focus is on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your experiences, learn coping strategies, and build a life aligned with your goals.

CBT explores the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. With altered states, CBT helps you recognize triggers and develop strategies to manage distressing experiences.

ACT focuses on accepting your experiences while taking steps toward your personal goals. It promotes flexibility, self-compassion, and stress reduction when navigating altered states.

Open Dialogue Treatment:

Open Dialogue includes your social network in therapy, promoting shared decision-making and support. It is guided by principles like immediate help, flexibility, psychological continuity, and tolerance of uncertainty.

local Resources

We offer support groups for individuals experiencing psychosis or altered states. Learn more on our Group Therapy page or explore additional resources for recovery below.

Behavioral health and supportive housing for individuals with mental health challenges.

Clinic for psychosis and legal-risk support.

Early intervention for adolescent psychosis.

An international organization promoting psychological and social treatments for persons with psychosis and schizophrenia. ISPS-US.org is the national group and ISPS.org is the international group.

National & International Resources:


Dr. Chelsea Mackey, psyd

Dr. Chelsea Mackey is our specialist in psychosis and altered states, with expertise in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and voice-hearing experiences. She brings a compassionate, recovery-oriented approach, helping clients reconnect with their strengths and build meaningful lives. Her integrative style draws from evidence-based modalities such as CBTACTERP, and psychodynamic therapy, tailored to each individual’s needs.

chelsea

altered states & psychosis consult group

altered states consultation group

Our Psychosis Consultation Group is designed for clinicians seeking a supportive, case-based space to deepen their understanding and clinical skills in working with psychosis, altered states, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and voice-hearing experiences. The group offers collaborative discussion, clinical guidance, and an integrative, recovery-oriented perspective grounded in compassion and evidence-based practice.

For more information or to inquire about joining, please reach out to therapy@vppsychotherapy.com.


Frequently Asked Questions

What does psychosis treatment at Vantage Point involve?

Our approach to psychosis and altered states is individualized and recovery-oriented. We use evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Open Dialogue treatment — a collaborative approach that can involve your social network. Our goal is to help you understand your experiences, build coping strategies, and live a meaningful life aligned with your goals.

What are “altered states” and how is that different from psychosis?

At Vantage Point, we use the term “altered states” to refer to a broad range of experiences that differ from typical perception — including hearing voices, unusual beliefs, or feeling disconnected from reality. Some of these experiences meet clinical criteria for psychosis, while others do not. We use language that feels respectful and meaningful to each client, rather than imposing a single clinical label.

Who is the specialist in psychosis at Vantage Point?

Dr. Chelsea Mackey, PsyD, is our specialist in psychosis and altered states. She has expertise in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and voice-hearing experiences, and brings a compassionate, recovery-oriented approach. Her integrative style draws from CBT, ACT, ERP, and psychodynamic therapy.

Does Vantage Point offer consultation groups for clinicians looking to help their clients experiencing psychosis?

Yes. We host a clinician consultation group for providers working with this population. Visit our Group Therapy page for current availability.

What local resources are available for psychosis support in Sacramento?

In addition to therapy at Vantage Point, we can connect clients with local resources including Hope Cooperative (behavioral health and supportive housing), the SacEdapt Clinic at UC Davis (early intervention for adolescent psychosis), the Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic (MHUCC), and Recovery Center Turning Point. National resources include Hearing Voices USA and ISPS.


Get started now

For therapy or assessment, fill out the form under our “contact us” tab or call 916.284.1416.

Vantage Point Center for Psychotherapy
1011 22nd Street, Sacramento, CA 95816

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