Sometimes living with a serious mental illness feels like a huge burden, doesn't it? Constantly having to stay in the hospital, not being able to do your job, feeling like you're being ostracized from society... All of this makes you feel very lonely. There are countless times when you feel like 'no one understands me.' But there is a special treatment that has been introduced to help people like this, integrate them into society, and help them live a normal life. That's what we're talking about today.
Simply put, what is this ACT?
Assertive Community Treatment, or ACT for short, is a set of specialized treatments and support services provided to people with severe mental illnesses within the community where they live.
This doesn't mean you're confined to a hospital or other facility. Instead, a team of specialists dedicated to helping you comes to you right where you are, in your home and your community, and provides the services you need. It's like having a dedicated team of doctors who look after you.
This team of experts typically includes:
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Social workers
- Dual diagnosis treatment specialists (that is, those who treat people who have mental illness as well as other problems, such as substance abuse)
- Registered nurses
- Case managers
This team will build a very close relationship with you and provide you with the personal support you need. The main goals are to help you manage your mental illness while creating the environment you need to succeed in your community. This may include things like housing, help finding a job, and even help with travel.
There is another part of this same system called Forensic ACT (FACT) . It is specifically designed for people with severe mental illness and those who have been in trouble with the law (e.g., arrested, incarcerated). The word "Forensic" here means "related to the legal system."
Who is this treatment most suitable for?
ACT treatment is specifically designed for people with severe mental illness who are at risk for the following:
- Frequent hospitalization due to psychiatric crises.
- Having to intervene in legal issues .
- Being at risk of homelessness .
This is schizophrenic-emotional.People suffering from conditions such as schizophrenia may be included. See the table below.
| Examples of conditions that fall under the category of schizophrenia |
|---|
| Schizophrenia |
| Schizotypal personality disorder |
| Delusional disorder |
| Schizophreniform disorder |
| Schizoaffective disorder |
Additionally, ACT therapy may also be beneficial for people with other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
How does ACT work? What services are available?
ACT is a customizable treatment that is tailored to each individual. But in general, its core principles are:
- Come to your home , assess the situation, and provide the necessary training and support.
- Having a team of experts available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help in an emergency .
- Supporting your independence, rehabilitation and reintegration into society .
- When making decisions about treatment , consider your opinions and make decisions together.
- Providing all services in one place within the community.
Depending on your needs and goals, this team of experts offers a variety of services. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Service type | The support received |
|---|---|
| Mental health treatment | Medication and talk therapy (Psychotherapy). |
| Drug abuse treatment | Treatment with special attention to dual diagnosis. |
| Other health problems | Helping to manage other diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. |
| Support for the family | Providing family with understanding of the illness (psychoeducation), seeking help with child care. |
| Financial support | Help with applying for insurance, food assistance, and financial management. |
| Livelihood support | Assistance with housing, employment, educational assistance, shopping, and using public transportation services. |
Most importantly, these ACT teams only accept a limited number of patients at a time, so they can give you their full attention .
Is ACT therapy really effective?
Yes. Numerous studies have shown that ACT therapy is very effective, especially in the following areas:
- Decreased hospitalizations.
- Reduced time spent in the hospital.
- Improving the quality of life.
- Increased treatment adherence.
- Reduced re-interventions and incarceration in legal matters (especially in FACT programs).
How long does this treatment take?
This is not the same for everyone. The length of treatment will vary depending on your needs and goals. But it is usually a few months of treatment. You may need this service more than once in your life. Your ACT team will work with you to plan this.
How do I find an ACT program?
It may be difficult to say that these ACT programs are available everywhere in Sri Lanka, but some government or private mental health centers may operate these types of community-based services.
The most important thing is, if you are interested in this, or if you think someone you know needs this kind of help, talk to your psychiatrist or your family doctor. They can refer you to a place where you can get the help that is most suitable for you.
Having a serious mental illness can be a huge obstacle to living the life you want. When you feel like no one understands you, when you feel like there is no one to turn to for help, you can feel very alone. But remember, treatments like ACT have been proven to be effective in helping people who are facing these challenges. This team of experts will help you get closer to the life you want.
Take-Home Message
- ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) is a specialized treatment method that provides people with severe mental illnesses with treatment in the community where they live, rather than in a hospital.
- A team of specialists, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, will come to your home and provide support.
- The aim is to help you manage the disease while also helping you succeed in your life through things like housing and employment.
- This method has been proven to reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life.
- If you think this treatment might be right for you or someone you know, be sure to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about it.
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