The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.39.4.411

At three community mental health centers (CMHCs) in Indiana, 167 clients at risk for rehospitalization were randomly assigned to experimental groups receiving assertive case management (ACM) or to control groups eligible to receive all other aftercare services at the centers. During a six-month follow-up period, experimental clients received an average of one visit a week from the ACM team, usually in the client's home or in community settings. Overall, ACM clients were rehospitalized an average of 9.2 days, significantly less than the 30.8 days for controls. In two of the three centers, significant rehospitalization differences were also found between ACM and control groups. No differences were found between groups in quality of life, medication compliance, involvement in CMHC programs, or contacts with the legal system in any of the centers. The most cost-effective center had savings of about $5,500 for each ACM client.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.