Assertive community treatment: a resource for the Oklahoma medical community

The purpose of this article is to provide the Oklahoma medical community with educational material regarding the assertive community treatment paradigm for the treatment of people with severe mental illnesses and to make the community aware that this is a resource available in several areas of the state. The concept, historical background, benefits, and cost effectiveness of assertive community treatment are discussed. The authors also seek to underscore the need for these programs in order to provide optimal care for the most severely ill psychiatric patients.