[Beyond conceptual foundations: Illustration of a team practice of assertive community treatment.]

The authors propose an overview of the practice of assertive community treatment, from the perspective of its values, its inherent functioning as well as its generic way. Going beyond different models, the authors try to illustrate what distinguishes assertive community treatment from other external or community services. They then present its application with the Service d'accompagnement et de soutien communautaire (SASC) of Pierre-Janet hospital. A vignette written by a client, illustrates the daily and clinical aspects, while structural and organizational aspects are discussed in relation to the regional organization of mental health services.