In Virginia, "Assertive Community Treatment" (ACT) is a comprehensive, team-based approach to providing mental health services to individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is designed to offer intensive, community-focused support to help individuals live independently and reduce hospitalizations. ACT is a mental health service model where a dedicated team of professionals—including clinicians, nurses, and social workers—work directly with individuals in their communities. The goal is to provide personalized, 24/7 support that includes therapy, medication management, housing assistance, and help with daily living. Unlike traditional outpatient services, ACT is proactive and intensive, aiming to stabilize individuals' mental health and promote independence."

In Virginia, ACT teams are multidisciplinary groups that operate directly in the community, often providing services wherever the individual feels most comfortable—at home, in the neighborhood, or at work. These teams typically include psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, substance use counselors, and peer support specialists.

Mental Health Skill Building

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) - A type of treatment for individuals with mental health conditions who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but don't require the level of structure and 24-hour supervision of a residential treatment facility.

Structure - IOPs typically follow a structured schedule with specific goals and activities.​ Sessions are more frequent and often longer than traditional outpatient therapy.​

Multidisciplinary - May involve therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, and other professionals.​

Focus on skills development - IOPs emphasize learning coping mechanisms, relapse prevention strategies, and improving daily functioning.​

Symptom management - Addressing immediate symptoms is a crucial component.​

Support - Provides a supportive environment for learning and practicing skills.​

Locations - Currently facilitated in our offices in Martinsville and Danville, and coming soon to Roanoke and Hampton.

Purpose - To equip individuals with practical skills to manage stress, emotions, and mental health challenges. To promote resilience and healthy coping strategies.

Education - Learning about mental health and common issues.​

Skill Development - Techniques for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. Building emotional regulation and resilience.​

Support and Resources - Connecting participants with local mental health services. Providing tools for ongoing self-care.​

Prevention & Early Intervention - Encouraging early help-seeking behaviors. Promoting healthy habits like sleep, exercise, and nutrition.​

Target Audience - Youth, adults, and communities in VA seeking to strengthen their mental health skills.​

Implementation - Often delivered through schools, community organizations, or healthcare providers.​

May include workshops, group sessions, and individual coaching.​

Goal - To empower individuals to take charge of their mental health and build a supportive community environment.

Intensive Outpatient Program