FAQs

Click on each question for the answer.

• Is there a cost to the program?
  Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) will not deny services to anyone based on inability to pay. For those individuals with Medicaid, we will seek reimbursement for some of our clinical services. However, we can work with you and your family to sign up for the appropriate benefits, should that support be needed.
• How much contact do participants have with their team?
  We tailor each person’s treatment to his or her needs and preferences. When beginning ACT services, seeing an ACT team member daily is not uncommon. Depending on the clinical need, some clients may see our team more frequently than others, but the minimum number of face-to-face meetings is 6 per month. Many of these meetings can be as brief as 15 minutes.
• How long can participants receive ACT services?
  Our goal is to have all participants graduate from the program at some point, but ACT is not time or term limited. ACT recipients will receive our services as long as they need service.
• Will ACT help participants with alcohol or drug use?
  Many people who are in our program are currently using or have used alcohol or other drugs, such as marijuana. We work with participants to create an individualized treatment plan that may include working on goals to reduce or stop using alcohol and drugs. We will also provide a substance-use specific meeting every week.
• Are participants required to be taking prescription medications to be eligible for ACT services?
  There is no requirement for medications. Clients meet with the psychiatrist and the rest of the client team to make a decision about whether—and which—medications are right for each client. For those who do take medications, the ACT team helps them find the lowest dose of medications to help with symptoms and carefully monitors any possible side effects.
• Can participants receiving ACT services also receive treatment elsewhere?
  Once are enrolled in ACT, participants generally have all of their services provided by the ACT team. Sometimes there are exceptions; participants should check with their treatment team for information regarding their specific circumstances.
• Can clients involved in legal matters still participate in the ACT program?
  Yes, the can participate. Involvement in legal matters does not exclude anyone from participating in the program.
• Can individuals with an assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) order participate in ACT?
  Yes; having an assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) does not exclude anyone from participating in ACT. In fact, ACT participation is encouraged for individuals who have an AOT.
• Can family members be involved with ACT?
  Yes, we strongly encourage family involvement. However, we understand that sometimes recipients do not want or are not ready to have their family members or other supports involved in their treatment. We work with each participant to decide on how much or how little involvement he or she would like from family members.
• What supports are available for family members?
  The ACT team includes a family specialist, and the entire team provides support to families in need.