Frequently Asked Questions
ACT is a highly specialized service (referred to as a “Tertiary” level service) and in 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 on the ACT Teams pages.
If your loved one is being considered for a referral to an ACT team, it is because they meet the criteria outlined above. If your family or friend has provided consent to their referring service provider, the provider will be allowed to share their reason for referral with you.
Once their referral is received, each ACT team has their own process for reviewing, approving and assigning clients to their caseload. You can check-in with the referring provider if their referral was accepted.
During the admission process, all members of the ACT team will gradually meet with your family/friend to develop rapport, conduct relevant assessments, and to co-develop a recovery care plan.
ACT teams offer wrap-around, holistic services. They employ evidence-based treatments and interventions to support each individual in their recovery care plan. As a family member or a supportive friend, the ACT team would like to involve you as much as you and the client would like in the development of their recovery care plan. To do this, the client will be asked to sign a release of information (ROI).
Yes! ACT is provided at no cost to you or your family/friend.
ACT is time unlimited. ACT staff recognize that developing therapeutic rapport, trust, and recovery plans takes time.
Yes - ACT staff will continue to support your family member/friend when they are held in a correctional facility.
Yes - ACT Teams will continue to support their clients when they are transferred to inpatient tertiary level care like RedFish Health Centre, South Hills Rehabilitation Centre and Cowichan Lodge. The frequency of their contacts will decrease during the stay and resume once discharged.
Your role is important, even though you are not responsible for providing treatment. Family involvement varies and is guided by consent and privacy laws. Families support ACT most effectively by:
- Sharing helpful background information (history, strengths, early warning signs, what has helped before)
- Letting the team know about changes they notice
- Encouraging ongoing connection with ACT services
- Supporting recovery goals identified by their loved one
- Maintaining a caring relationship (not acting as a case manager or crisis responder)
When appropriate and with consent, families may also:
- Participate in care planning meetings
- Receive general updates or education
- Share concerns or observations
- Learn about illness management and relapse prevention
- Be included during crises, if their loved one agrees
Even when information-sharing is limited, teams can usually listen, provide education, and discuss ways families can support recovery. ACT works best when families and teams communicate respectfully and maintain clear roles.
Please visit your local ACT Teams page for more information on who and how to connect with your family member/friends ACT team.
Without a signed ROI (Request of Information), the ACT team cannot share an individuals personal health information. However, you can share information with us that you think is important.
The ACT Team can only share client information when the client authorizes them to do so, by signing the “Release of Information" consent form. This process aligns with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).