Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a nationally recognized model to help people with long-term, complex mental health and co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions make real progress.
Unlike typical community support programs, ACT increases access to resources and support through a flexible service-delivery model. In the majority of ACT interventions, we bring services to the individual. For example, if someone needs their medication delivered or prefers to meet with specialists at their home or workplace, the ACT team is there for them.
At Community Alliance, ACT is not new, but our support is stronger than ever for the Omaha community. Since establishing our ACT program in 1998, our team’s wraparound services have helped many individuals experiencing symptoms of serious mental illness. We help people make real progress toward independent living, rehabilitation and recovery and avoid rehospitalization or reincarceration.
If you or someone you serve may benefit from ACT, now is the time to connect with Community Alliance. Our experienced, fully staffed ACT team has the capacity to accept more referrals.
“We want our surrounding communities to know we’re available and ready to help,” said Todd Reckling, chief program officer at Community Alliance. “Our ACT team is highly skilled, very knowledgeable and experienced. We are well-positioned to welcome and support individuals needing this level of care. We have capacity and want to grow this program, as we know there is a strong need for it.”
CCBHC model strengthens Assertive Community Treatment services
Over the past year, Community Alliance has more fully implemented the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. While Assertive Community Treatment is not typically a required component of the national CCBHC model, Nebraska made the strategic decision to include ACT as part of its behavioral health continuum.
The CCBHC model of care enhances Community Alliance’s services and team, including the addition of a fidelity specialist. Community Alliance’s fidelity specialist works closely with the ACT team. Together, they evaluate alignment with the national ACT fidelity model and identify areas for ongoing improvement. This holds our team accountable to the latest best practices and supports the strongest possible outcomes.
Under the CCBHC model, Community Alliance now offers more formalized crisis services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Services include a warm line, crisis line, mobile crisis response team, guest services and crisis psychotherapy. Individuals can call or text 402-715-4226 or click the chat icon on our website to access crisis support.
As peer staff and clinicians respond to individuals in crisis, they can directly identify when a referral to services like ACT may be needed and appropriate. This seamless communication between Community Alliance programs allows individuals to transition into ACT and other services more efficiently.
A multidisciplinary team committed to best practices
A multidisciplinary team is specifically dedicated to our Assertive Community Treatment program. The team includes a psychiatrist, nurse, therapist, team lead, substance use specialist, psychiatric rehabilitation specialist, peer support specialist and employment specialist.
The ACT team has recently expanded focus on its employment specialist role. The employment specialist now supports all ACT clients and conducts one-on-one employment assessments. “Employment” encompasses traditional work, volunteer opportunities and/or education depending on an individual’s capabilities and desire. Employment helps with a sense of fulfillment and purpose in recovery.
With support from our fidelity specialist, the ACT team incorporates evidence-based employment practices and uses structured assessment tools. This approach ensures employment services are intentional, measurable and integrated into each person’s care plan.
Jessica Dean, MSW, LIMHP, describes the ACT team as “a well-oiled machine.” With years of experience and a well-established team, Community Alliance provides a high level of consistency and support for those we serve.
Comprehensive, collaborative program intake
Community Alliance receives ACT referrals from hospitals, regional centers and many other community agencies. The team has continued building and maintaining community relationships with key partners to be a next step for support that helps prevent rehospitalization.
Once the ACT team receives a referral, Jessica and ACT’s psychiatrist, Dr. Angelo Zieno, review the individual’s latest psychiatric assessment, history and medication list to help determine if the ACT program is a good fit for their needs. Then, the team conducts an in-person screening to explain the program and confirm the individual is willing to participate and meets the criteria for the program.
When admitted to the program, services begin immediately. On day one, the individual receives a psychiatric evaluation, meets with a nurse to address medications, is assigned to ACT staff based on their needs and collaborates on goals and objectives for their preliminary treatment plan.
“We coordinate all of this to happen on their first day of admission. We want to reduce barriers to participating in the program,” Jessica said.
Within the first month, Jessica completes a comprehensive assessment with input from the full multidisciplinary team. The employment specialist also conducts a formal employment assessment as part of this holistic process.
“We try to fully understand the needs of the individual,” Todd said. “We put together a whole-person, comprehensive care plan with them that focuses on their strengths and needs, helping them lead their best life possible.”
ACT participants break cycles of barriers
A primary ACT outcome is reducing or eliminating hospital stays. Community Alliance’s ACT program has consistently helped individuals achieve that outcome for nearly three decades.
For many, a measure of success is housing stability. Several program participants this year have successfully transitioned into independent housing after years of instability. The ACT team often serves as an advocate and liaison between program participants and property managers, helping break cycles that previously led to housing loss or housing insecurity.
These outcomes are the result of years of experience, fidelity to the ACT model and an integrated, proactive team.
Make a referral to Community Alliance’s ACT program
Community Alliance welcomes referrals from hospitals, community providers and individuals seeking ACT services. To refer someone to ACT, contact our rapid response team to initiate intake for services if the individual is not already a Community Alliance client.
Our team is ready to help empower more individuals in our region to achieve healthy, independent lives.
