Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Assisting individuals in living meaningful and productive lives in the community.
UNC’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams are well-known for their success in providing transition support for individuals with severe mental illness as they move from a facility to living in the community. This evidenced-based practice model provides an individual with a comprehensive team of mental health professionals and paraprofessionals who have a common goal of assisting these clients /patients in receiving medication and other care that will allow them to live a meaningful life, preferably in an independent living situation. It serves individuals in various settings, including home, work and community 24/7, 365 days/y.
Criteria for participation
- Typically have an Axis 1 diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder or bi-polar disorder.
- Likely have a recent history of multiple hospitalizations.
- Be at risk for homelessness.
- Or have difficulty engaging in “traditional office based” services.
- Live in Orange, Chatham or Wake County
The team is comprised of a team leader, mental health professionals, nursing staff, a team psychiatrist, housing specialist, vocational specialist, substance abuse specialist and a peer support specialist. Individuals are seen an average of 12 times per month for medication monitoring, symptom monitoring, therapeutic interventions, and care coordination activities.
ACT Step Down
The Orange-Chatham ACT Team has an additional program that is an important gap in community-based treatment of individuals with severe mental illness in Orange and Chatham counties. A Medicaid-funded service that is a subset of the current ACT team, the new Step Down program assists individuals as they transition from the high-intensity treatment of the ACT team to independent office-based care.
Team Contact Information
Orange-Chatham ACT Team
Phone: 919-445-0660
Fax: 919-445-0631
Wake County
Phone: 919-445-0296