Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

When outpatient treatment cannot meet an individual’s health needs, Sheppard Pratt offers assertive community treatment (ACT). ACT is a comprehensive, mobile health service for adults with a persistent mental illness. We deliver services in a convenient and comfortable location, such as the home.

What Is Assertive Community Treatment?

ACT services, also known as mobile treatment, are psychiatric treatment and wrap-around services designed to improve overall health and well-being.

ACT offers interventions that help our clients meet their goals of living independently. In terms of mental illness, ACT is an effective intervention for individuals with significant mental health issues who struggle to engage in traditional outpatient settings. It has even been shown to reduce hospitalization rates.

We tailor health services to each individual. Our clients will receive the right level of support when and where it’s needed, including times of crisis. ACT mobile health services can include:

• Linkage to primary care services
• Client-centered psychiatric evaluation and treatment planning
• Education and support for family members
• Education around physical and mental health, substance abuse, daily living, and socialization skills
• Employment services such as skills assessment and training
• Medication administration and monitoring
• Substance abuse services
• Talk therapy (psychotherapy) to help clients manage their symptoms and increase their ability to function

Many individuals are eligible for Health Home services. We offer primary care support to people with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.

The ACT Team

Our ACT team is multidisciplinary. This means the team members have different training and experiences. Together, they meet all of the needs of our clients.

The ACT team includes:

• Case manager, to help individuals coordinate medical interventions and support resources
• Clinical social worker, to help clients improve their quality of life by providing financial, health, or social support
• Registered nurse, to address health needs
• Psychiatrist, to evaluate and develop treatment plans that may include medications
• Peer specialist, to offer a shared experience and support clients as they cope with mental health or substance abuse challenges
• Supportive employment specialist, to provide career counseling and job search assistance
• Substance abuse counselor, to help clients overcome drug or alcohol dependencies

ACT at Sheppard Pratt: Why Choose Us?

Our ACT program follows an evidence-based practice (EBP) endorsed by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Our program meets strict SAMHSA protocols, including frequent and intensive team member visits with our clients. We participate in voluntary monitoring to show that we meet the EBP requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Assertive Community Treatment

ACT can serve adults age 18 or older who have a severe and persistent mental illness, including but not limited to psychotic disorders such as:

• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Eligible individuals have demonstrated they are unable to participate in a traditional outpatient setting successfully. They also have experienced one or more of the following:

• A clear threat to their ability to live independently, including homelessness, and a need for higher-level services if mobile treatment weren’t available
• Emergency or impending risk to self or others
• Psychiatric hospitalization or frequent use of emergency rooms for psychiatric concerns
• Mental illness-related arrest
• Significant functional impairments related to employment, self-care, socialization, daily living skills, or substance abuse

Accessing Our ACT Services

ACT is one of our comprehensive psychiatric rehabilitation offerings to help our clients achieve the highest level of independence possible.

We provide assertive community treatment programs in several communities throughout Maryland, including:

• Baltimore City
• Frederick County
• Harford County
• Howard County
• Washington County

If you or someone you know is eligible and could use ACT mobile treatment, please call:

• Frederick County: 301-662-0099, ext. 3580
• Howard County: 410-740-1901, ext. 7752
• Washington County: 301-766-6063, ext. 8225
• Baltimore City & Harford County: 443-823-6119