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)?

Choice A reason: A new diagnosis of major depressive disorder typically does not meet the criteria for ACT, which is reserved for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness who have difficulty engaging in traditional outpatient care. Choice B reason: Repeated acute care admissions due to schizophrenia indicate a pattern of instability and high service utilization. ACT is specifically designed for individuals with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, who require intensive, community-based support to reduce hospitalizations and improve functioning. Choice C reason: Requesting family therapy after bereavement reflects a situational need rather than chronic psychiatric instability. This client would benefit more from outpatient counseling or grief support services than ACT. Choice D reason: While partner violence is a serious concern, ACT is not the appropriate referral unless the client also has a qualifying psychiatric diagnosis with functional impairments. Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care would be more suitable.