Course Code: REL-BHC-0-ACTMCBTSMI
Hours: 1.5
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2029
Learning Objectives:
Identify ACT’s core features, primary service areas, and which individuals are most likely to benefit from it.
Recognize how ACT differs from traditional mental health approaches and how teams evaluate if they are using ACT effectively.
Indicate the benefits and limitations of ACT and give examples of modifications to the model.
Outline:
Section 1: Assertive Community Treatment
What Is ACT?
ACT as a “Wraparound” Model
Goals of ACT
ACT Team Members
Relationship With Client
Core Features of ACT
Primary Service Areas
Assertive Engagement
Comprehensive Assessment
Medication and Symptom Management
Supportive Psychotherapy
Crisis Prevention and Response
Substance Use Disorder Assessment and Treatment
Case Management
Health Management and Promotion
Involvement of Natural Supports
Community Living Skills and Housing Support
Support With Employment or Education
Client Referral and Criteria
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Analysis of ACT
Traditional Outpatient Mental Health Services Versus ACT
Challenges With Traditional Outpatient Mental Health Services
Evaluating Effective Use of ACT
Evaluation Tools
Client Transitions From ACT
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 3: ACT and Modifications to the Model
Benefits of ACT
Treatment Directly to the Client
Potential Limitations of the Full ACT Model
Modifications of ACT
Populations Served
Adjustments During COVID-19
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Writer: Amanda Gayle, Ph.D
Amanda Gayle received her PhD. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tennessee. She completed a pre-doctoral internship at the University of Georgia in the Counseling and Testing Center. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in the Occupational Health Department working in both the internal and external employee assistance programs. She is licensed in North Carolina, where she was in private practice for 15 years, serving primarily adults in individual and couples counseling with many presenting issues. Her focus was on cognitive behavioral therapy to treat anxiety, mood disorders, grief, relationship difficulties, stress management, self-esteem, and parenting. She joined Relias as a subject matter expert writer for behavioral health in 2021.
Subject Matter Expert: Sarah Rowser, BSN, RN, PMH-BC
Sarah Rowser is a dedicated psychiatric nurse and behavioral health leader with a strong foundation in both clinical and administrative roles. She began her nursing career after earning her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Onondaga Community College in 2018 and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SUNY Empire State University in 2023. In 2025, she became board certified in psychiatric-mental health nursing (PMH-BC) through the ANCC. From 2018 to 2023, Sarah worked within the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) inpatient psychiatric system, where she served in diverse roles including Registered Nurse, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Administrator, gaining experience with children, adolescents, and adults. She was appointed Nurse Manager of an inpatient psychiatric unit in 2023, demonstrating her leadership in acute care settings. Since 2024, Sarah has served as an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team Leader, guiding multidisciplinary teams in delivering comprehensive, person-centered mental healthcare in the community. She is currently pursuing a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree to further strengthen her expertise in healthcare leadership and systems management.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Behavioral Health Counselors; Care and Case Managers; Marriage and Family Therapists; Nursing Personnel; Psychologists; Social Workers; Substance Use Counselors; in the following settings: Behavioral Health: Community Services.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.