Assertive Community Treatment Program (ACT)
Bay-Arenac Behavioral Health has two Assertive Community Treatment teams; one team is called Connections and the other team is called Transitions.
What is Assertive Community Treatment?
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an intensive treatment program for adults that have a serious mental illness and who have a history of psychiatric inpatient hospitalization or who are at risk for future psychiatric hospitalization; who may have co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse issues; and who have not been able to benefit from traditional case management or outpatient services. The ACT program provides the following services: case management, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, individual, group and family therapy, skill building/education, psychiatric, nursing, and medication services, and advocacy. Treatment is provided through a team approach using a variety of professionals including social workers/counselors, nurses and a psychiatrist. Services are provided in the community – team members will regularly visit at the individuals' home, at local restaurants, grocery stores, or wherever help or training is needed.
Who can benefit from ACT Services?
The program services are for adults with chronic mental illness over the age of 18 and who live in Bay and Arenac county. Persons who have serious mental illness along with substance abuse problems can also benefit from these services. If a person has serious problems in daily functioning such as psychotic symptoms, behavior problems, and social isolation, they may also be helped by this service.
How does ACT help an individual?
ACT is a supportive program. Participants receive on-going assessment and monitoring of their symptoms as well as medication to help reduce symptoms. Emotional and educational support is provided to the individual and his or her family. Training and support in daily living skills, socialization, and community survival skills are provided as necessary and appropriate. The treatment team also provides advocacy on behalf of service participants. The treatment team is available 24-hours a day by telephone and on-site, when appropriate. Services are provided as often as necessary to meet the needs of each individual person.
What is the goal of Assertive Community Treatment?
The goals of the ACT program include:
- To help individuals with serious mental illness understand their illness and control their symptoms and behavior
- To help individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and serious mental illness understand their illness, control their symptoms and behavior, and avoid substances
- To help individuals be as independent as possible and be an active and productive part of the community
- To prevent psychiatric hospitalization and residential placement when possible
How can you access ACT services?
To request services call 1-800-448-5498. For more information about ACT services call (989) 895-2200.
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