The Cultural Competent Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) is a joint venture sponsored by Mount Sinai Hospital in partnership with Hong Fook Mental Health Association established in 1999. This is the first ever cultural diverse mental health program using the cultural competency model. It was developed in response to the cultural diverse needs from the culturally diverse communities and supported with the best evidence-based research.

Since the implementation of the program, we focused on identifying key issues that have facilitated or hindered the therapeutic alliances, patients’ service utilization and treatment compliance because of cultural differences in health concepts and health care systems.

We will present what we have learned in literature review and the best evidence-based practice guidelines. Key cultural issues we have encountered with our clients will be described. Methods and strategies that are effective in overcoming cultural differences will be highlighted. We will use a case illustration to demonstrate our innovations and adaptations and will highlight lessons and challenges we have learned during the process of developing the cultural competency model. Feedbacks from the audience would be also incorporated to formulate the “best practice” guidelines. The guidelines will contribute significantly to the understanding of the complexity of cultural factors in treating mental illness but also ensure the effective service delivery to cultural diverse population.

Cultural Competent Assertive Community Treatment Team has won American Psychiatric Foundation Advancing Minority Mental Health Award as well as the Leading Practice Award from Ontario Hospital Association in 2007.