Six-month outcomes of an integrated assertive community treatment team serving adults with complex behavioral health and housing needs

Assertive community treatment (ACT) and integrated dual disorders treatment (IDDT) have individually proven effective for treatment of adults with complex behavioral health and housing needs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an ACT team that delivered integrated care consistent with IDDT principles. Participants included 60 adults with a history of chronic homelessness and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Measures assessing mental health, substance use, and residential stability were completed at intake to the program and then 6 months later. Participants reported statistically significant improvements in mental health symptomatology and residential stability over time, although there were no changes in substance use. Findings support the effectiveness of the intervention for improving mental health and housing stability among adults with complex behavioral health and housing needs. Fidelity data support the notion that multiple evidence-based interventions can be integrated while still maintaining adequate fidelity to individual components.