ACT is a comprehensive community-based service delivery approach for individuals with serious mental illness who respond best to intensive services and who are at risk of inpatient hospitalization. The team follows the ACT Model which is built on the belief that people with serious mental illness can achieve better results by living in the community as they receive highly supportive, individualized mental health services.

Admission Criteria

• Major mental illness (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Bipolar)
• Cannot have primary daignosis of Substance Abuse, Developmental Disability or Axis II Personality Disorder
• IQ must be at least 80
  

ACT Standards 

• The team is "assertive" in engaging individuals in treatment and monitoring their progress.
• Clients receive "whatever it takes" services.
• Services are provided 24 hours a day.
• Most contacts occur out of the office.
• Daily organizational team meeting for symptom management.

Key Staff Roles 

• Low staff to client ratio  
• Nurses and Psychiatrists manage medication system and coordinate with other health providers  
• Vocational Specialist for job support, development and placement
• Housing Specialist for support and placement
• Peer Support Specialist whose own experience provides hope and inspiration in recovery
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselors
• Assessment and treatment focus on activities of daily living skills, social and family interaction

 

Some South Central Behavioral Services programs are partially funded with County, State, and/or Federal funds.