Assertive Community Treatment...

[Hears The Water]

Do any of y'all have any experience with this? I don't know if it is limited to only my state, Missouri, or if this is a program in other states as well. I ask this because my son who has bipolar and ADHD may be going into such a program. We went to see his regular doctor, who told us that he is phasing out all of his adult clients. We were blessed to be able to still see him the two years that John has been an "adult". He is starting a residency program and had to make some tough decisions. Anyway, he said that he thought that John would be a good candidate for this program if the director agrees. When I asked what it was the vague answer I got was "it is like a hospital without walls." and I was able to find a little bit of info on google. From what I can gather he will get a new case manager who will be trained in nursing, social work, pharmacology and other skills that will help them help John. They will be available 24/7 and in my mind, they are who I will call any time that I am having issues with my 6'4". 300lb son throwing a tantrum. I need the help so I am almost excited about it, but at the same time sad because we have had the same doctor for John for the last 5 years and his current case worker for almost a year, and we really like him too. In any case I was wondering if any of y'all have had any experiences with this and if so, what did you think? Thanks in advance for any help you can give,
God bless you and yours
deb

[Jan in CO]

Deb, I'm no help on that specific program, but do know that our gd, with the same problems was very upset at having to change from her doctor, whom she's seen for 8 years, but as he is a child psychiatrist, he could no longer see her. Moot point as she's refused all meds now. I hope your son will be ok with the new changes.

[Hears The Water]

Yeah, he is pretty easy going about things like that. I know that I am very blessed. He is 20, going to be 21 in April and so far hasn't refused his meds. He likes the doctor and will miss him, but isn't that phased about going to a new one. I am, though. This doctor has believed me and stood by me and been very kind to John. It is hard to find a ped doc that will treat the parent well. I don't know what will happen with the new one since John is an adult, but we shall see. John has always signed for me to be in on the exams, treatments and on record as being able to talk to the doctors. He can't manage all of those details so I do it for him. Perhaps this new program will help him become more independent. We had him in an apartment that was kind of like a group home, but it was lost in the Joplin tornado and he hasn't wanted to move out again. Could have potential. I guess. Thanks for the input.
God bless you and yours
deb