A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Family Inclusion in Assertive Community Treatment: Challenges and Possibilities. Issue 2 (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peterson, Lance T.; Gricus, Michelle
• Is Part Of: Families in society. Volume 104:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 124
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: assertive community treatment -- serious mental illness -- focus groups -- qualitative research -- community practice -- modes of practice -- family systems and functioning -- subjects of practice -- mental health and differential diagnoses -- practice interventions and research; Social service -- Periodicals; Social case work -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; Social service -- United States -- Periodicals; Family social work; Social case work; Social service; United States; Periodicals; 362.82097305
• DOI: 10.1177/10443894221074670
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1044-3894

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the unique challenges of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) service providers to actively include natural supports in treatment. The qualitative approach was guided by the participatory intervention model and tenets of critical realism. Interviews included focus groups of different stakeholders on ACT teams (e.g., case managers) and individual interviews with ACT clients. Through thematic analysis, we identified themes demonstrating how state funding requirements, demands on staff schedules, and psychosocial barriers make it challenging to include clients' natural supports. We derived two implications which may enhance future possibilities for natural support inclusion: community-based psychoeducation family groups coupled with state funding streams that better support the ACT model.