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The Global Assertive Community Treatment Association (GACTA) makes its debut

The Global Assertive Community Treatment Association (GACTA) made its 2nd international debut this summer, stepping into the world stage at two major events dedicated to advancing community mental health care.

GACTA introduced its mission and vision at the 7th European Congress on Assertive Outreach (EAOF) in Copenhagen, Denmark, followed by the 21st International Congress on Assertive Community Treatment in Mental Health in Avilés, Asturias, Spain. Together, these appearances marked a significant milestone in GACTA’s development as a global platform for education, data sharing, and the exchange of best practices in Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Flexible ACT (FACT).

 

Copenhagen: Launching GACTA on the Global Stage

At the EAOF Congress in Copenhagen — themed “Closing the Gap in Psychiatric Care for People with Serious Mental Illness” — GACTA was formally introduced to an international audience of clinicians, peer experts, researchers, policymakers, and patient organizations.

Denmark’s long-standing experience with Community Mental Health Centers, ACT, FACT, and early intervention teams provided a rich backdrop for discussions on some of the field’s most pressing challenges, including revolving-door hospitalizations, homelessness, and co-occurring substance use disorders.

Expert Panel A highlight of the Copenhagen congress was a GACTA-led panel moderated by Luis Lopez (US), featuring:

 

photograph of panel discussants

 

Helle Thorning (US/Denmark), Allishia Smith-Harris (US), Niels Mulder (Netherlands), Lorna Moser (US), Koen Westen (Netherlands), Merete Nordentoft (Denmark), Margret Overdijk.

The panel explored opportunities and challenges in implementing ACT and FACT across health systems worldwide, underscoring GACTA’s role as a convener for global dialogue and innovation.

 

GACTA Symposium

Two GACTA-affiliated symposia drew significant attention:

  • Implementing Recovery-Oriented Practices in ACT: The New York Story — presented by Luis Lopez and Helle Thorning, who shared strategies for embedding recovery principles within ACT teams.
  • Spiritual Care for Clients and Teams — presented by Nigel Haggan, who advocated for the inclusion of dedicated spiritual carers/practices to support both participants and staff.

Both sessions generated rich cross-cultural exchanges and highlighted GACTA’s commitment to advancing holistic, recovery-oriented practices.

Also, many of the GACTA members had a very strong presence by presenting individually during those 2 days.

 

Avilés, Spain: Continuing the Conversation

Just one week later, GACTA traveled to Avilés, Spain, where the 21st International Congress on Assertive Community Treatment in Mental Health welcomed experts from across Europe and North America. Hosted by Juan José Martínez Jambrina, the congress provided another opportunity for GACTA to present its mission and strengthen international partnerships.

 

Photo of Juan José Martínez Jambrina

 

On a special international panel, Luis Lopez delivered a presentation on Wellness Self-Management, while Helle Thorning spoke on the importance of engaging families as key partners in supporting individuals with mental health challenges. Together, these contributions emphasized GACTA’s focus on practical, inclusive approaches to improving community mental health care.

 

Looking Ahead

Building on the momentum of its global debut, GACTA will continue to expand its role as a hub for international collaboration in mental health. GACTA looks forward to attending the 8th European Congress on Assertive Outreach - which is scheduled for September 2027 in London, UK.  Again, the congress will bring together leaders, practitioners, and advocates committed to transforming mental health services worldwide.

 

About GACTA

The Global Assertive Community Treatment Association (GACTA) is a newly formed international organization dedicated to advancing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Flexible ACT (FACT) models worldwide. Through education, research, and collaboration, GACTA seeks to strengthen community-based mental health systems, reduce reliance on hospitalization, and promote recovery-oriented, person-centered care.

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