[MuddyBoots]

Has anyone here done ACT before? What is it like? How is it different from the standard treatment?

I'm about to start it and I'm worried it won't help. A lot of people tell me ACT is good stuff but they won't say how it's any different from what I'm getting now. Any info is helpful.

(I don't know if this is the right subforum for this, mods feel free to move it if there's somewhere else better)

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Sapien

Has anyone here done ACT before? What is it like? How is it different from the standard treatment?

I'm about to start it and I'm worried it won't help. A lot of people tell me ACT is good stuff but they won't say how it's any different from what I'm getting now. Any info is helpful.

(I don't know if this is the right subforum for this, mods feel free to move it if there's somewhere else better)

ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) in short its just having a team of treatment providers all talking together and working together to provide you with all the mental health services that you need

An example - your therapist, psychiatrist and medical doctor will all have you sign a release of information form, then they get to talk together about what your mental disorders are and how to best treat you, you will also have periodic meetings where everyone gets together in one room with you to make your treatment plans with everyone present you included talking about your mental disorders and how to best treat your problems, what your needs are.

Some locations call this ISP - individual service plan. other places call this IEP if it's a child that needs special services. some places call this WRAP around. meaning all the treatment providers wrap their services together around the clients special needs.

its just saying you have so many mental health issues that you need a treatment team approach instead of individual mental health services for one mental problem.

they are going to help you manage all your mental problems by getting everyone on the same page working the same way with you.

yes it is a good thing. there wont be any more confusion between you and the treatment providers on what you need and how to treat you.

[ScarletPimpernel]

I thought ACT stood for acceptance commitment therapy?

[MuddyBoots]

That may be true, but I'm talking about this ACT https://namimn.org/wp-content/upload...tions_2018.pdf

[SlumberKitty]

Wow! The ACT that you are talking about @Sapien sounds really great! I wish they had that in CA as I have Schizoaffective Disorder and it would be really helpful. I say give it a shot!

[Deejay14]

PACT Program of assertive community treatment is an excellent service. The array of situations they can help you with is much greater that the just usual team approach. It originated in Madison Wisconsin. You are very fortunate to be a part of it. As with anything it may not be a good fit for you but I urge you to give it a try. There is much more I could say but short on time. Please feel free to PM me.

[The_little_didgee]

ACT emphasizes recovery or at least leaving a more meaningful life by getting clients involved in different programs out in the community while keeping them out of hospital as much as possible. Staff often meet clients out in the community, including the psychiatrist. There is usually no time limit for the program. A client can stay as long as they require the service.

ACT has programming for its clients such as classes (e.g., cooking and music) and recreational activities. The goal is living a healthy life while providing a sense of community.

The clientele is diverse at least in the ACT program I am familiar with. It is not strictly limited to psychotic disorders.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by SlumberKitty

Wow! The ACT that you are talking about @Sapien sounds really great! I wish they had that in CA as I have Schizoaffective Disorder and it would be really helpful. I say give it a shot!

I'm in Calif and I've had it done. It is very helpful.

[MuddyBoots]

Just as an update since starting ACT : So far it's has been helpful. There's a specific emergency call line that won't just call the police to my house. My ffs worker has made sure I have enough meds (and even gets someone to deliver them to my house if need be) but only a week's worth at a time in case I get tempted to OD on them. She's helping me get Narcan. She's helping me find some income by pet sitting and dog walking. Case management is helping me find a place to live away from those actively using. I'm a week clean tomorrow and it's been HELL but I feel like once I get my addiction issues under my belt I can get my PTSD/schizoaffective under my belt and then maybe I'll be able to go back to school (although after head injuries, ECT, meds, mania, psychosis, depression, untreated ADHD, I don't feel smart enough to go back to my STEM major).
It's nice to have all these supports available. All this week I have someone to see. Case manager today, ffs tomorrow, NP and group Wednesday.
My ffs worker is so nice. I was high when she showed up last week and she didn't even drill me. Just made sure I wasn't ODing and asked about getting me narcan.
I have a new injection nurse too. I was sad about that because I really trusted my old one, but I'm sure after a few months I'll be able to tell her the same stuff I told the last one. and Hopefully there'll be less to tell.

[SlumberKitty]

MuddyBoots, thanks for the update. It sounds like this has been really good for you! Rooting for you all the way! HUGS Kit

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by SlumberKitty

Wow! The ACT that you are talking about @Sapien sounds really great! I wish they had that in CA as I have Schizoaffective Disorder and it would be really helpful. I say give it a shot!

We do have it in California, I'm sure it's available all over the state. I know it as WRAP, although ACT can be part of WRAP. I know a number of people who have it and the programs are fabulous.

Here's an example for my region:
https://www.yolocounty.org/home/showdocument?id=22229

[*Beth*]

Boots, that sounds outstanding! I'm so excited for you!

How did you get hooked up with ACT...was it from being IP?

[MuddyBoots]

Originally Posted by *Beth*

Boots, that sounds outstanding! I'm so excited for you!

How did you get hooked up with ACT...was it from being IP?

My old T suggested it but my insurance wouldn't cover it so I had to switch insurances and then when I went IP they sped up the process. I just found out they're changing me from having an average NP to an actual psychiatrist.

[Nammu]

Oh, good I think an actual pdoc is better for you right now while your in flux. Nps are fine for people who are more stable, but paws is hard. I’m glad they did that!

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by MuddyBoots

...I just found out they're changing me from having an average NP to an actual psychiatrist.

That is the BEST news!!!

[Quietmind 2]

Originally Posted by MuddyBoots

My old T suggested it but my insurance wouldn't cover it so I had to switch insurances and then when I went IP they sped up the process. I just found out they're changing me from having an average NP to an actual psychiatrist.

That's good! A psychiatrist would hopefully be more helpful.