Access Economics was asked by the Orygen Research Centre to compare the cost effectiveness of providing either early intervention or treatment as usual to individuals who experience a first episode of psychosis. Access Economics defined ‘early intervention treatment’ (EI) as: …“the use of low-dose atypical medications, cognitive behavioural therapy, family interventions, vocational recovery programs, continuing care programs that focus on relapse prevention…(and)…substance misuse interventions”. Access Economics also defined ‘treatment as usual’ (TAU) as: …“the provision of high doses of antipsychotic medication, hospitalisation in all acute episodes…(and an)…absence of structured interventions.”