Act was a program started in the 1970's to care for the severely mentally ill. It incorporates a multi-disciplinary team approach and they provide services directly in the home of the client. Team members all see the same clients, no one has an individual case load. This method allows all clients to have several service providers who are working together to give them the best care possible (
www.illinoismisainstitute.org).
The program was created by two professors at the University of Wisconsin as an alternative to hospitalization. The ACT model is based on the belief that people with serious mental illness suffer from three different conditions that affect their social functioning: 1) they have strong dependence needs, 2) limited ability to do problem-solving, 3) they develop psychiatric symptoms during times of stress. This model strives to help the client develop coping skills in familiar environments and being involved in the community while doing this (Sands, 2001).
The three main outcomes the ACT program strives for include: 1) reduced hospitalizations, 2) increased quality of life in the community, 3) normal activities of daily living (Sands, 2001).
Research:
Over 25 experimental studies have found that ACT, in comparison to other models of service, result in lower use of hospital services. They have also found that ACT results in having higher rates of supported employment, better quality of life and more independent living (psych.iupui.edu/ACTCenter/ACTEvid.htm).
A study done of 400 people involved with ACT should that after one year 80% were still involved in treatment. In the comparison group that was not in an ACT program, only about 50% were still involved in treatment.
