Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) takes a “whole team” approach to treating serious mental illness. It allows people to receive services in their community (rather than a more restrictive hospital setting). ACT aims to reduce the reliance on hospitals by providing round-the-clock services to the people who need it most. ACT uses a person-centered, recovery-based approach to care.
ACT services include:
-vocational support
-mental health treatment
-integrated dual disorder treatment
-family education
-community integration
-peer support
The goal of ACT is to help people become independent and integrate into the community as they experience recovery.
Who is ACT for?
Criteria for selection include psychiatric disorders which severely impair functioning in the community. Impairment is likely in multiple areas:
- Inability to perform practical tasks required for basic functioning in the community for reasons related to their mental illness, being resistant, or avoiding involvement with traditional mental health services
- Inability to attain and keep consistent employment
- Inability to maintain a safe living situation
ACT is for consumers with the most challenging and persistent problems.
What makes ACT different than other services?
Personalized Care – The ACT team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Whether you need assistance with basic necessities like food and housing or you’re looking to return to school or the workforce, we will support you in reaching your ambitions. We will work with you to identify your most important goals and meet you in an environment where you feel most comfortable. Our services are flexible and tailored to fit your comfort level.
Team Approach – The ACT team is a diverse and highly skilled group of professionals, each bringing unique expertise to the table. This collaborative team includes dedicated employment specialists who focus on helping individuals find and maintain meaningful work, as well as compassionate peer support specialists who offer understanding and shared experiences to foster recovery. Additionally, the team comprises experienced nurses and psychiatrists, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, who provide essential medical care and mental health assessments. The presence of substance use treatment specialists further enhances the team’s ability to address a wide range of needs, ensuring comprehensive support for those in their care. Together, these mental health professionals work collaboratively to create a holistic and supportive environment for individuals on their path to wellness.
ACT actively nurtures hope, encourages personal recovery, and empowers individuals to achieve self-sufficiency in their lives.