The Program of Assertive Community Treatment provides comprehensive, integrated treatment and support services to those individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses who live in Cumberland and Salem Counties. Established in 1997, PACT is the most intensive program element in the ambulatory continuum of community mental health care.
The purpose of PACT is to assist individuals with mental illnesses to achieve their greatest degree of independence in the community.
PACT utilizes a multi-disciplinary service delivery team approach to address the various needs of consumers and provide individualized and ongoing treatment. This team consists of fifteen experienced and skilled professionals including a psychiatrist, nurse specialists, an advanced practice nurse, dual recovery specialists, a vocational specialist, mental health advocates, a community advocate, a clinician, an administrator and a bookkeeper/secretary.
The philosophy of PACT is to provide ongoing and continuous treatment with no predetermined endpoint, given the persistent and severe nature of the individual’s symptoms. However, as program goals are achieved, and as the individual has remained in the community and has learned to utilize community support services, the number of direct contact hours will decrease and a disengagement process could occur.
Eligibility for the PACT program includes individuals at least 18 years of age with serious and persistent mental health illness as evidenced by repeated hospitalizations, and who have a mental health diagnosis of at least one-year duration. These individuals must meet one of the following primary psychiatric diagnoses: schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, schizoaffective
disorders, major depressive disorders, bipolar disorders and/or delusional disorders. And, the individual must show impairment in personal self-care, interpersonal relationships, ability work and/or maintain housing.
Referrals to PACT are accepted from screening centers, clinical case management providers, other mental health agencies, and inpatient settings, as well as the community at large. Initial referral information is gathered to determine the eligibility of the individual.
Direct services are provided daily and based on individual needs. These direct services include but are not limited to:
- Psychiatric symptom assessment, management and supportive counseling
- Medication prescription self-administration and monitoring
- Crisis intervention
- Assessment of medical needs and referral
- Direct assistance to obtain daily living needs (housing, food, etc.)
- Direct assistance with daily living activities/skills
- Assisting individuals to obtain and utilize community support services
- Substance abuse services
- Vocational/employment services
- Development and support of recreational and social activities
- Support and consultation to family and significant others
- Collaboration with the criminal justice system
- Emergency phone access after hours and weekends
- Serving as a liaison for local and state hospitals
Program of Assertive Community Treatment:
(856) 455-8316
Fax: (856) 765-0931
