Frequently Asked Questions
ACT is a highly specialized service and for most communities, requires a referral from a mental health provider. The referral process looks different across ACT Teams and Health authorities. If you are interested in seeking out information on how to begin a referral, navigate to an ACT team in your community by clicking on the ACT Teams page of our website.
How fast you get help will depend on a number of factors and varies by Health Authority and ACT Team. For the most accurate estimate of your wait time, you will need to contact the referral source. Information for this can be found on the ACT Teams page of our website.
If you have been referred to an ACT Team or if you are interested in being referred, you may be wondering whether this is the best option and what it will encompass. Rest assure that ACT has been studied for several decades, and has likely been offered to you for specific reasons. ACT is designed to deliver mental health services that are person-centered and individualized to address each person's needs and goals. Talk to your primary care/mental health provider about why they have referred you. To learn more about the service, see What is the ACT Model?
ACT is one of the most rigorously studied models of care for people with complex mental health or concurrent mental health and substance use challenges who have not benefited from traditional services. Research indicates that for those who are eligible for an ACT team, receiving ACT services lead to improved health outcomes, a reduction in hospital visits, and contribute to an overall improvement in their quality of life. Learn more about ACT on our About ACT page.
Once your referral is submitted, each team has their own process of reviewing, approving and assigning persons to the ACT Team. If your referral is accepted, you can expect to meet with an ACT staff member to ask any questions and to sign a consent form before joining the team.
You will gradually meet all staff on the ACT Team and together, you and the team will develop a recovery care plan as they learn more about your needs and treatment goals. You can expect someone from the ACT Team to meet with you throughout the week at a time and location you prefer.
Yes, it is!
ACT is a time unlimited service. That means that your ACT Team will continue to support you until you achieve the recovery goals you have co-developed with your team. This may take one year, five years or ten years - your ACT team recognizes that the recovery process is individual.
As you and your ACT Team identify you have reached your recovery goals and no longer require ACT services, the Team will work with you to plan a gradual transition back to a standard community mental health team. Transition periods can take a few months - your Team wants to ensure a successful transition to a less intensive service.
Availability of Indigenous resources will vary depending on which ACT team you are a part of. For example, some teams may have access to an Indigenous patient services navigator. If you are looking for resources that are more specific to your local area, please visit ACT Teams or speak directly with the ACT Team Lead on your team.
For more information on provincial indigenous resources, please refer to Resources and Services.
To promote equitable health care access, Health Authorities have access to interpreter services through Provincial Language Services. If you speak a different language than your ACT service provider(s), translation services can be scheduled to facilitate communication.
ACT Teams provide wrap-around care and services for their clients and, if unable to provide specific care or services, ACT Teams play an important role in navigation and coordination. If you are currently on an ACT Team and experiencing barriers to service, you can contact the Patient Quality Care Office in your Health Authority.