ACT- Community Treatment for People with Severe Mental Illness
Assertive Community Treatment
The primary goal of ACT is recovery. The program promotes individual empowerment through the acquisition of resources and skills that help individuals manage mental health and substance use disorders to reach an increased level of independence in the community.
With ACT, clients benefit most because they experience fewer hospitalizations, are less likely to be incarcerated and have more stable housing, all which supports them on the path to recovery.
ACT supports clients age 18 and older with
Severe and persistent mental illness including a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder with symptoms resulting in
- Significant difficulty completing daily tasks and living independently in the community
- Continuous high-service needs leading to frequent hospitalizations and incarcerations
A TEAM APPROACH
The team consists of thirteen staff members including a psychiatrist, nurses, case managers, an employment specialist, peer support specialists, and a substance use disorder specialist.
SERVICES WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED
Clients participate in services while in their homes, at work and in other community settings where support is needed.
SERVICES WHEN THEY ARE NEEDED
Services are available seven days a week. The ACT Team schedules around the needs of clients to serve them at the times they desire. Staff coordinate closely with 24-hour emergency services at times of crisis.
TIME-UNLIMITED SUPPORT
Clients participate in the services and supports for as long as they need them.
PERSONALIZED CARE
The team maintains a 1:10 clinical staff to client ratio in order to provide frequent, intensive and personalized care.
ACT provides assistance with
- Assessment of needs, strengths, goals, preferences and abilities
- Activities of daily living
- Housing
- Family life
- Vocational services and employment
- Benefits
- Managing finances
- Health care
- Medications
- Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders such as substance use
- Counseling
ACT practices are evidence-based.