Assertive Community Treatment
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based practice that provides community-based, multidisciplinary mental health treatment for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
The goal of ACT is to reduce the impact of mental health symptoms on daily life and improve overall well-being. ACT teams provide most of the treatment, rehabilitation, and support services a person needs—helping them reach their goals and live as independently as possible in their community.
ACT services are personalized for each person based on their goals, preferences, and needs. Teams build strong, trusting relationships through ongoing collaboration and assessment. Services are provided in community settings and are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
For In-Network Providers
- CBH providers should utilize the CBH ACT Referral Form (available in the Authorization section of the CBH Provider Manual page) for member referrals and submit them via the CBH Provider Portal. Approved referrals will then be appropriately delegated to ACT providers based on capacity and member needs. Non-CBH member referrals will still go directly to ACT providers. CBH will review referrals within two business days. Providers will be notified of the outcome of referral via the portal, and this process will follow the prior authorization section of the CBH Provider Manual.
- Referrals submitted by CBH Providers outside of the Provider Portal will not be accepted.
For Out-of-Network Providers
- Out-of-network providers should utilize the CBH ACT Referral Form (available in the Authorization section of the CBH Provider Manual page) for member referrals and submit them via the Non-Provider Referral Form.
Services Provided by ACT Teams
The services that the teams are required to provide include:
- Service coordination
- 24-hour crisis assessment and intervention
- Symptom assessment and management
- Medication prescription, administration, monitoring, and documentation
- Co-occurring substance use services
- Employment services
- Activities of daily living
- Social/interpersonal relationship and leisure-time skill training
- Peer support services
- Support services
- Education, support, and consultation to families
What Needs to Be Provided in the Referral Form?
The referral forms needs to be completed in full and include:
- A Comprehensive Biopsychosocial Evaluation (CBE)
- Must be completed in the last 60 days
- Referral Source Information
- Referring Organization’s Name
- Referral Contact Name
- Referral Contact Number
- Referral Contact Email
What diagnostic criteria should referrals include?
Please refer to the Medical Necessity Criteria for diagnosis.
