Every day, thousands of clients with mental illness are hospitalized due to an increase in their symptoms and a mental health system that is plagued by little coordination of care between service providers. As a result, you may be witnessing the “revolving door” syndrome of frequent hospitalizations for many clients with mental illness in your daily work. In this course, you will learn about the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model. ACT teams have three goals: • Redirecting their clients away from Psychiatric hospitalization where possible • Supporting them in the home and community of their choice • Supporting their recovery from mental illness This course is based on content developed for The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and describes the key principles of ACT and the evidence-based practices that were developed to meet the complex needs of individuals with mental illness. Research based on the ACT model shows that services are more effective if they fit the individual and are provided in the community, rather than the individual fitting the traditional mental health system. This course covers evidence-based practices for symptom management, housing, finances, employment, medical care, substance use, family life, and activities of daily living. Through descriptive examples and case studies, you will have the basic knowledge you need to apply the principles of ACT to help clients to stay out of the hospital and to help them develop the skills they need to live successfully in their communities.