In a move illustrating Salt Lake County’s commitment to supporting individuals with severe mental illnesses, a new Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team has been instituted, providing critical, comprehensive in-community care to an additional 100 citizens experiencing acute psychiatric conditions, per an announcement from the county. This addition marks the county with five active ACT teams, each team now serving up to 100 clients, these teams, consisting of therapists, nurses, prescribers, case managers, and peers, aim to extend a lifeline to those frequently found at the margins of mental health services, often bouncing between emergency rooms, shelters, and jails.
According to Salt Lake County, the ACT model is renowned for its evidence-based approach and it is effectively a "hospital without walls," which indicates that it delivers care when and where it's most needed, whether it's in homes, on the streets, or in shelters, ACT teams are tailored to the individuals who found traditional outpatient services historically inaccessible or ineffective, and this new initiative is designed to ensure they stay connected, stay grounded within the community.
Tim Whalen, the division director of Salt Lake County Behavioral Health Services, underscored the county’s dedication to evidence-based practices in a statement. "Providing access to ACT teams for some of our most vulnerable residents gives them the best chance to stay connected to the community and to have a meaningful life," he said, as per Salt Lake County, acknowledging the importance of partnerships with provider agencies such as Valley Behavioral Health, Volunteers of America, and Odyssey House to make these services possible and impactful.
Amplifying the county’s commitment to vulnerable populations, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson highlighted the expanded service’s alignment with broader county objectives. The ACT program not only promises 24-hour emergency assistance but also offers unwavering time-unlimited services directly through the team as opposed to external referrals.
The first VOA ACT team in Salt Lake County kicked off back in July 2014, shaping the delivery of mental health care in the region. This model has been recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as a national best-practice model, complete with strict fidelity standards to guarantee the highest level of care and support for those grappling with serious mental health challenges.
