What is PACT?
PACT is an Assertive Community Treatment program that serves adults with severe and persistent behavioral health disorders who face significant challenges across multiple life domains. Utilizing a team of muliti-disciplinary mental health staff, the PACT team develops and works on a plan in partnership with clients towards independence, self-sustainability, and healthy community interaction – PACT can be a first step down from more intensive services, or a step up for more intensive care.
PACT is a mobile program primarily serving individuals in their homes. Services are available 365 days per year, 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Crisis intervention is available to PACT clients from their treatment team. This service is available in Snohomish and Skagit counties.
Who does PACT serve?
Individuals served by the PACT typically have a history of multiple behavioral health hospitalizations, multiple incarcerations, failed housing placements, and homelessness. Many PACT clients also have co-occurring substance use disorders and generally have histories of unsuccessful treatment at lower levels of care. PACT also serves clients stepping down from more intensive levels of care, such as that provided at residential treatment facilities.
Approach to Care
PACT services employ a multi-disciplinary team that includes master’s level mental health professionals, bachelor-level clinicians, psychiatric providers, nurses, a medical assistant, a substance use disorder specialist, a vocational specialist, and peer counselors. Though each individual is assigned a primary clinician, the entire PACT team serves the individual. Most services are provided in the client’s home or other community settings. Clients are seen several times a week, sometimes multiple times per day, to promote stabilization and recovery. Services are individually tailored and delivered in accordance with each client’s PACT treatment plan. Collaboration with other involved community providers, landlords, and natural supports is a significant part of services. Services also include a comprehensive assessment, individualized treatment planning, service coordination, counseling and psychotherapy, co-occurring disorder treatment, vocational services, comprehensive community support, peer support, assistance with daily living activities, crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation, prescribing, and medication monitoring.
Goals of PACT
PACT assists clients in taking steps toward their recovery and rehabilitation. Client voice and choice regarding what they hope to accomplish is paramount. A comprehensive assessment thoroughly takes inventory of needs across multiple life domains and assists with treatment planning. Each client develops their treatment plan together with key staff members working with them and the client’s natural supports. Client strengths are emphasized and incorporated into goals and objectives.
Finally, treatment plan reviews are done at six-month intervals and measure progress on each client’s goals and objectives. Overall program goals are to:
- Reduce the need for care within state hospitals.
- Increase satisfaction and quality of life.
- Decrease the use of community inpatient and crisis services.
- Increase employment.
- Reduce involvement with criminal justice.