Last update:
07-Jul-2004

Assertive Community Treatment constitutes programming and an innovative practice for the treatment and care of severe psychiatric disorders within the community. Its application was introduced during the 1980s in Madison, Wisconsin (USA) as part of a larger experience of de-institutionalisation. This paper presents the principles, the basic characteristics and the innovative approach of this program. The possibilities and the necessity for a “pilot” application of this program within the framework of the Greek psychiatric reform is also discussed.

Key words: Community care, Community Psychiatry, Relapse prevention, Severe mental disorders, Assertive Community Treatment (A.C.T.).