title: Reflections on.... Occupational therapy and assertive community treatment.
abstract: Occupational therapists can play a valuable role on Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACT). ACT is a widely disseminated, community based model of service delivery for individuals with severe psychiatric disabilities and high support needs. This paper discusses the generalist and specialist functions of occupational therapists within ACT. It is argued that occupational therapy addresses the occupational health and well being of ACT clients by intervening at three levels: the individual, the program and the community. This occupational focus is consistent with the ACT goal of enhancing community adjustment and quality of life. The paper concludes with a discussion of the opportunities and the constraints that face occupational therapists working within ACT.
authors.affiliation: Program of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Louise D. Acton Building, George Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6. krupat@queensu.ca
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Krupa
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Radloff-Gabriel
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Whippey
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kirsh
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024382:Professional Role