Assertive Community Treatment of Persons with Severe Mental Illness - Paperback

Professional Guide to Assertive Community Treatment Programs

This professional resource provides detailed guidance for implementing and managing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs designed for individuals with severe mental illness. Published by W. W. Norton & Company in March 1998, this text serves as a foundational reference for mental health professionals, administrators, and clinical practitioners.

Program Implementation and Management

The book covers essential components of establishing community-based mental health programs, including staffing requirements, operational protocols, and day-to-day program management. It addresses the practical challenges of running ACT programs while maintaining quality care standards for individuals with severe mental illness.

Financing and Administrative Guidance

Beyond clinical considerations, this resource provides crucial information on program financing, healthcare administration, and navigating mental health policy frameworks. These sections help administrators develop sustainable funding models and understand the economic aspects of community mental health services.

Dual Diagnosis and Substance Abuse Treatment

A significant portion of the text focuses on treating individuals with co-occurring disorders, specifically addressing substance abuse treatment within the ACT model. This dual diagnosis approach recognizes the complex needs of clients managing both severe mental illness and substance use disorders.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice

Authored by Alberto B. Santos and Leonard I. Stein, recognized experts in community psychiatry, the book emphasizes evidence-based approaches to psychiatric rehabilitation and case management. The clinical practice guidelines support professionals in delivering effective, community-integrated mental health treatment.

Target Audience

This paperback is designed for mental health professionals engaged in community mental health services, including psychiatrists, social workers, case managers, program directors, and policy makers. It serves as both a practical manual and a professional development resource for those working in psychiatric rehabilitation settings. The comprehensive coverage makes it suitable for establishing new ACT programs or improving existing community-based services for individuals with severe mental illness.