Outreach care: a sensitive approach

This article examines the assertive community treatment model for caring for people with severe mental illness, drawing attention to some of its limitations as well as the authoritarian style that often accompanies its implementation. An alternative model, active client engagement, is described. This aims to engage clients in a collaborative relationship using a team approach that is highly responsive to the changing needs of clients. It concludes that the government's objective of keeping clients engaged with mental health services can better be achieved by the adaptation of such a trusting and therapeutic approach.