Program of Assertive Community Treatment
Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) provides community-based, holistic, long-term therapeutic treatment for people with severe and persistent mental illness and advocates to improve the quality of life for those with mental illness. PACT offers all-inclusive treatment services such as individual and group therapy, vocational and substance abuse services, medication monitoring services, and opportunities for socialization.
We’re here to help with:
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Depression
Identifying and treating depression and other mood disorders.
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Stress & Anxiety
Identifying and treating anxiety disorders.
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Mood Disorders
Helping to identify and treat mood disorders.
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Trauma
Providing support to navigate traumatic events and aid in the healing process.
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Employment and Vocational Challenges
Providing support, resources, and guidance to help you overcome work-related obstacles, develop skills, and achieve your career goals.
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Substance Abuse
Offering support and treatment options for managing substance use and promoting recovery.
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Community Resources
Connecting you to important resources to guide you through your wellness journey.
Eligibility
To be eligible for PACT services, you must:
- Be a resident of Gloucester or Cape May County
- Have 2 psychiatric hospitalizations in the past 18 months, or one hospitalizations plus 2 or more screening admissions in the past 18 months
- Have demonstrated lack of benefit from, or refusal to participate in, ICMS and/or anther intensive ambulatory or residential mental health services for a period of 6 months
- Be diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness for at least 12 months
- If you are unsure what qualifies as a “serious and persistent mental illness,” please contact PACT at (856) 251-1414 for Gloucester County or (609) 463-8990 for Cape May County
What to Expect
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Reaching Out
Reach out to PACT by contacting them at one of the following:
Gloucester County: call (856) 251-1414 or email PACTGReferals@acendahealth.org. Referrals can be faxed to (856)251-9393.
Cape May County: call (609) 463-8990. Referrals can be faxed to (609) 463-1111.
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Arranging Services
After receiving a referral, a PACT team leader or administrative assistant will call to confirm your eligibility and schedule an initial session to discuss the program. After the first session, you will schedule an intake, followed by creating a schedule to meet on a consistent basis.
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Moving Forward with Care
PACT team members will meet with you every weekday for at least the first two weeks, based on your needs. During these visits, the team provides medications if needed and wellness check-ins. After that, visits typically move to a weekly schedule or continue as needed. The PACT team will also schedule sessions for you to meet with any specialists depending on your needs, including counseling, vocational supports, substance use counseling, and more.
FAQ’s
What types of services does the PACT team provide?
PACT provides wrap-around services to address a wide range of client needs, such as medication management and delivery, assistance with case management needs, mental health counseling, substance use counseling, assistance with vocational or educational needs and other services. PACT staff are flexible and responsive to clients’ needs as they arise.
What other programs can clients participate in while enrolled in PACT?
PACT provides wrap-around services to address a wide range of client needs. Therefore, PACT clients typically cannot participate in any other programs that provide psychiatric or mental health treatment or services while enrolled in the PACT program (with very limited and specific exceptions).
Where do PACT services take place?
Services are provided in-person, either in the home, in the community or at an Acenda office. Telehealth sessions are also offered.
Can a client continue to see their previous psychiatrist when enrolled in PACT?
No, continuing to utilize the services of an outside psychiatric provider would be considered a duplication of services. Any clients enrolled in PACT must utilize the services of the PACT psychiatrist for psychiatric medication management.
How often do sessions occur?
You will meet with a PACT team member at least once per week.
How much does PACT cost?
PACT services are free.
Is there a waitlist for PACT?
Yes, PACT maintains a waitlist. Timeframes for the waitlist will depend on when a spot opens up and the level of need of the individual on the waitlist.
How do I qualify for PACT?
To be eligible for PACT services, you must:
- Be a resident of Gloucester or Cape May county
- Have 2 psychiatric hospitalizations in the past 18 months, or one hospitalizations plus 2 or more screening admissions in the past 18 months
- Have demonstrated lack of benefit from, or refusal to participate in, ICMS and/or anther intensive ambulatory or residential mental health services for a period of 6 months
- Be diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness of at least 12 months
- If you are unsure what qualifies a “serious and persistent mental illness,” please contact PACT at (856)251-1414 for Gloucester County or (609)463-8990 for Cape May County
