Regional community mental health centers (CMHCs) operate under the supervision of regional commissions appointed by county boards of supervisors comprising their respective service areas.  The 14 CMHCs make available a range of community-based mental health, substance use, and in some regions, intellectual/developmental disabilities services. CMHC governing authorities are considered regional and not state-level entities.  DMH is responsible for certifying, monitoring, and assisting CMHCs.  CMHCs are the primary service providers with whom DMH contracts to provide community-based mental health and substance abuse services. 

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Programs of Assertive Community Treatment

In order to expand mental health community services, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health has facilitated the formation of Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Teams in several areas of the state.

What are PACT Teams?

PACT is a person-centered, recovery-oriented mental health service delivery model for facilitating community living, psychological rehabilitation and recovery for persons who have the most severe and persistent mental illnesses and have not benefited from traditional outpatient services.

PACT teams are mobile, delivering services to people in their homes and communities. This evidence-based program enables people to remain in their communities and reduce placements in inpatient environments. Evidence-based programs like PACT are essential to allowing people to stay in the communities of their choice and continue on their journeys of recovery.

Who is on a PACT Team?

Certified PACT Teams are required to employ a Certified Peer Support Specialist. Other PACT team members are from multidisciplinary backgrounds who share responsibility for addressing the needs of those served. The services they deliver are individually tailored to address each individual’s goals and preferences.

Who can benefit from PACT Team services?

PACT Teams are specifically for people who are living with serious mental illnesses and have had only limited success with staying in recovery through the use of traditional outpatient services. That includes people who are living with a disability due to their illness, who have difficulty in keeping follow-up appointments, and even those who have avoided their follow-up appointments or may feel they are not in need of any services.

Since PACT Teams are mobile and deliver services to individuals in their own communities, they are available to provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Do PACT Teams work?

PACT Teams enable people to continue living in their own homes and communities while still receiving services they need. Clients of PACT teams have been shown to be more independent, have lower rates of unemployment, earn more income, enjoy more positive relationships and have a higher satisfaction with their lives. Studies have shown that clients of PACT Teams have lower rates of inpatient treatment. In cases where hospitalization was needed, the length of stay was shorter than individuals who had not participated in PACT.

Where are PACT Teams available?

PACT Teams are available in the following Mississippi areas: