IMPACT

Assertive community treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based model of treatment for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness for whom traditional approaches have been ineffective. Individuals appropriate for Integrated Multidisciplinary Program of Assertive Community Treatment (IMPACT) are those that have had frequent or prolonged hospitalizations, or experienced homelessness or incarceration by virtue of their mental illness.

Individuals in assertive community treatment programs have a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or chronic major depression. Many of these individuals also have substantial problems with substance use.

Assertive community treatment programs are typically staffed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, substance abuse counselors, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation therapists. The team provides consistent care and assertive client advocacy by teaching individuals in the program ways to improve quality of life, self and home care, and resource utilization. For example, team members may assist individuals in the program with:

• Accessing and maintaining benefits
  • Food stamps
  • Medicaid
  • Social Security
• Gaining and maintaining employment
• Housing
• Maintaining activities of daily living
  • Bathing, grooming, cooking, housekeeping
  • Paying bills
  • Taking medications
  • Transportation
• Managing medications and symptoms