PACT

The Program for Assertive Community Treatment or (PACT) provides intensive outpatient services for consumers who frequently utilize higher cost resources including emergency rooms visits, community inpatient treatment, longer term care in state hospitals, and the criminal justice system. PACT is an evidence-based practice and provides access to services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using wrap-around services to assist consumers enrolled in the program. Psychiatrists, ARNPs, nurses, therapists, case managers, chemical dependency professionals, peer support, vocational and housing specialists all work together as a treatment team to provide a multidisciplinary approach.

Based on nearly forty years of research, the PACT model utilized at SMH provides primarily for outreach services in the community, encouraging consumers to receive the majority of their services in locations that are familiar and safe to them. PACT team members also work with consumers in hospitals to help maintain continuity of care and assist them in transitioning back to the community after an episode of hospitalization. All services provided by the team adhere to the PACT model adopted by Washington State and standards and are monitored closely to ensure fidelity.

Housing and peer support specialists assist consumers to find and maintain housing and connect them with resources, supports including peer groups and mentors, while vocational specialists assist with finding education, training, employment and volunteer opportunities. Mental health and chemical dependency treatment rounds out the program with a full range of services to assist each individual to reduce symptoms through medication management and education about their illness and chemical dependency problems. All combined, PACT services are designed to address multiple aspects of care in order to increase self esteem and confidence and improve each individual’s overall quality of life.