PROGRAMS
MANHATTAN ACT

In Fall 2012, CASES assumed leadership of the Manhattan Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. CASES Manhattan ACT will provide comprehensive, community-based psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to persons with serious and persistent mental illness in Upper Manhattan, including the communities of Harlem, Inwood, and Washington Heights.

CASES was selected in a competitive process by the NYS Office of Mental Health to operate Manhattan ACT, our second state-licensed ACT Team. Since 2003, CASES has operated Nathaniel ACT serving individuals in New York City indicted on felony charges who are jail- or prison-bound and have severe and persistent mental illness. With its community focus, Manhattan ACT enables CASES to effectively address the unique needs of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness residing in Upper Manhattan.

The ACT Team

The Manhattan ACT team consists of clinicians who have training and experience in psychiatry, mental health, nursing, social work, substance abuse treatment, peer support, housing, and employment. Team members collaborate to provide clients an integrated array of treatment and supervision services in the community. As opposed to providing services in an office setting, the ACT team visits consumers at home, jobsites, and other settings in the community. Services are available 24 hours day, seven days a week, to support community reintegration, stability, and recovery.

Referrals to Manhattan ACT

Services

  • Case management and clinical services - Manhattan ACT provides comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and continuous risk assessment and management. Clinical services include medication administration and management, weekly treatment groups, and integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment.
  • Supported employment - The ACT team implements this evidence-based practice, providing eligible clients with direct placement in competitive, real-world jobs with accompanying onsite support services as needed. Unlike more traditional vocational approaches, supported employment programs use a rapid job search and placement approach to help consumers obtain jobs directly, rather than providing them with pre-employment vocational training or placement in non-competitive employment. Supported employment staff and clients identify individualized job placements based on consumer preferences, strengths, and work experiences.
  • Other support services - The ACT team helps clients obtain Medicaid, food stamps, public assistance, and Social Security benefits, and provides referrals to external education, job training, employment, and housing providers.