How can NAMI members get assertive community treatment started in their communities?
W.K.: I think families and consumers are the most effective advocates for this approach to treatment. They must educate themselves about the model and then meet with those who decide what psychiatric services are provided in their communitiesthe county mental health services board, state department of mental health, local community mental health center, and local and state political leaders. Advocates can point to the recommendations in the Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) study, for example; and they must be prepared to anticipate and answer frequently asked questions. The NAMI national office and the NAMI state offices that have succeeded in getting assertive community treatment are resources. Invite reporters to meetings with decision-makers to focus media attention on the fact that there is well-tested, effective community treatment for people who are perceived by the community as the most difficult to serve. Policy makers may be concerned about cost for an asser
