Effects of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment: outcomes of an 18-month observational study

This Multicenter Youth Flexible ACT Study examined the effect of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment on symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes of adolescents dealing with multifaceted psychiatric and social care needs who do not readily engage in regular office-based mental health services.

Newly admitted clients (n = 199) aged 12-24 years from 16 Youth Flexible ACT teams participated in this observational prospective cohort study. Client and practitioner questionnaires were administered every 6 months, up to 18 months. Latent growth curve analyses were conducted to examine changes in symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes throughout Flexible ACT.

Our analyses of client-reported outcomes showed a decrease in overall psychosocial difficulties, depressive symptoms, and subclinical psychosis symptoms. Moreover, outcomes showed improved social interaction with peers, quality of life, and feelings of empowerment and fewer contacts with the police/legal system. In addition, analyses of clinician-reported outcomes showed a decrease in problems related to family life, peer relationships, school/work attendance, emotional symptoms, and attentional problems. Problems related to personal finance, school and work status, substance misuse, disruptive and aggressive behavior, self-injury, and self-care and independence remained unchanged.

Our results showed that clients participating in Youth Flexible ACT improved in symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes over 18 months. With its integrated approach and personalized care, this service delivery model is promising for adolescents unable to engage successfully in regular (office based) mental health support services.