Abstract
The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model for people with severe mental illness has typically been viewed as a time-unlimited
intervention. Without a proscribed service duration, discharge from ACT largely depends on individual clients’ situations
and practitioners’ discretion. We conducted semi-structured focus groups and interviews with practitioners to explore their
discharge practices and considerations. Results highlight the heterogeneity of the clientele served in ACT, and therefore
the importance of individualized treatment and discharge planning, guidance on assessing the timing of discharge for individual
cases, practice strategies that balance independence and social connectedness to promote recovery, and the need for substantial
system reform to facilitate transition after discharge.
intervention. Without a proscribed service duration, discharge from ACT largely depends on individual clients’ situations
and practitioners’ discretion. We conducted semi-structured focus groups and interviews with practitioners to explore their
discharge practices and considerations. Results highlight the heterogeneity of the clientele served in ACT, and therefore
the importance of individualized treatment and discharge planning, guidance on assessing the timing of discharge for individual
cases, practice strategies that balance independence and social connectedness to promote recovery, and the need for substantial
system reform to facilitate transition after discharge.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10488-011-0344-1
- Authors
- Fang-pei Chen, Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Daniel B. Herman, Division of Mental Health Services and Policy Research, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research
- Online ISSN 1573-3289
- Print ISSN 0894-587X