If you or someone you know is living with a severe anxiety disorder, it can be overwhelming trying to determine how to handle the symptoms without letting them interrupt your everyday life. While medication and therapy can be effective treatments, they may not always be enough to help those with severe anxiety disorders on their own. That’s where assertive community treatment (ACT) can be a valuable resource.
ACT is a comprehensive approach to mental health care that aims to provide intensive and individualized support to those with serious mental health conditions, including severe anxiety disorders. This approach is designed to help people with mental health challenges live full and productive lives in their communities rather than being isolated or institutionalized.
How Does Assertive Community Treatment Work?
Assertive community treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based model of mental health care that provides a team-based approach to care delivery. An ACT team typically includes a psychiatrist, nurse, social worker, and other doctorate-level mental health professionals working together to provide clients with comprehensive care.
ACT is driven by an individual-centered approach that focuses on meeting each client’s unique needs and goals, providing holistic, community-based care for a wide range of conditions. The team collaborates with clients to identify their needs, develop a treatment plan, and provide ongoing support.
How Can ACT Help Those with Severe Anxiety Disorders?
ACT can be an extremely valuable resource for individuals with severe anxiety disorders because it can provide them with the comprehensive support they need to manage their symptoms. As part of an ACT program, patients can receive various services, including medication management, individual and group therapy, case management services, and support for daily living activities.
For those with severe anxiety disorders, ACT can help in the following ways:
24/7 Access to Support
The ACT team is available to provide support around the clock, which can be crucial for individuals experiencing severe anxiety. This can help prevent crises and deliver immediate support when needed.
Individualized Care
Working closely with clients, the ACT team aims to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals. This approach ensures that clients receive the support and resources they need to manage their anxiety effectively.
Coordination of Care
The ACT team works collaboratively with other healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians and therapists, to ensure that clients receive comprehensive care at each point of contact. This approach can help reduce the risk of medication interactions and ensure that clients receive the most effective treatments across every level of care.
Support for Daily Living Activities
Assistance is available from the ACT team for supporting daily living activities, such as managing finances, finding housing, and accessing transportation. This can help alleviate stressors that exacerbate anxiety.
Long-Term Support
ACT is designed to provide long-term support to clients as long as they need it, which can be particularly helpful for those with severe anxiety disorders. This support can help individuals manage their anxiety over time and prevent relapses.
Life Adjustment Team
If you or someone you know is struggling with a severe anxiety disorder, seeking appropriate resources and support is essential. The Life Adjustment team provides a wide variety of services in the LA area tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with anxiety disorders.
From individual, group, and family therapy to medication management, our Team works collaboratively to create an individualized treatment plan for every client. As part of our comprehensive approach to support, the Team offers a full suite of Assertive Community Treatment services providing intensive support in the community setting. This includes helping individuals to access and utilize community resources, advocating on their behalf, and providing regular follow-up services. The team also works to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to promote recovery and resilience.
Contact us today to learn more and see why we’re the right fit for you!
