Assertive Community Treatment

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is one of the oldest, most widely researched, and effective, evidence-based practices for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders. ACT was created for people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders or bipolar disorder who are experiencing challenges in role functioning that result in more frequent use of higher intensity services (inpatient, jail, mobile crisis).  

ACT is a service delivery model that is integrated, individualized, and recovery oriented.  Operated by a transdisciplinary team, the team works together to provide all needed behavioral health services through frequent and intensive contacts and with a low staff-to-client ratio (maximum of 1:10 ratio). 

Services provided by ACT include case management, nursing, psychiatry, employment and educational services, psychiatric rehabilitation, substance use disorder services, peer support, and more.  Most services provided are in the community versus traditional office-based visits and are available 24/7.  

The State of Maryland currently has approximately 25 Assertive Community Treatment teams that have met the fidelity threshold as determined by the Behavioral Health Administration. 

The Evidence-Based Practice Center at University of Maryland, Baltimore provides state-wide ACT events and training, as well as individual consultation for teams. For more information, contact the Evidence-Based Practice Center staff at EBPC@som.umaryland.edu.

Please visit the Assertive Community Treatment page on our website for additional information. 

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