Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT)      

The Program for Assertive Community Treatment or (PACT) provides intensive outpatient services for consumer 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 services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provide wrap-around services to 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 for primarily outreach services, encouraging consumers to receive the majority of their services in the community at 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 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 substance abuse problems. In combination, all aspects of care are designed to increase self esteem and improve each individual’s overall quality of life.