A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a group of clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse recommend a referral for assertive community treatment (ACT)?
Explanation & Rationale
A. A client who has a new diagnosis of major depressive disorder. A new diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) can often be managed through outpatient therapy and medication. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is typically reserved for individuals with severe, persistent mental illness, particularly those with frequent hospitalizations or difficulty adhering to treatment. B. A client who has repeated acute care admissions due to schizophrenia. ACT is a specialized, intensive, community-based intervention designed for individuals with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, who have difficulty maintaining stability in the community. This model provides continuous, comprehensive care to reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life. C. A client who has requested family therapy following the death of a family member. Family therapy is beneficial for grief counseling, but it does not require ACT services. ACT focuses on individuals with chronic psychiatric disorders who need multidisciplinary, long-term support. D. A client who has physical injuries following an incident of partner violence. Survivors of intimate partner violence may require medical care, counseling, and support services, but ACT is not the appropriate intervention. Instead, referrals to domestic violence shelters, crisis counseling, or legal assistance may be more suitable.