Mental Health
Information and resources related to mental health
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program delivers comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals who are diagnosed with severe mental illness and whose needs have not been well met by more traditional service delivery approaches in the community. The Behavioral Health and Wellness Division funds two ACT teams in Albuquerque. The agencies operating these programs are UNM Hospital and New Mexico Solutions. Each program functions as a mobile, trans-disciplinary treatment team of mental health professionals with staff-shared caseloads that deliver the majority of its services in natural community settings.
Visit the New Mexico Solutions webpage
Forensic Assertive Community Treatment Program Implementation (FACT)
City of Albuquerque, Department of Health, Housing and Homeless worked in collaboration with Bernalillo County and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center to implement a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Program. Services build on the high-fidelity evidence based Assertive Community Treatment model for individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness and with a serious functional impairment, who have not been effectively treated in a traditional service setting and have a high utilization of higher level of care services such as hospitalization and incarcerations. The specific needs of this subpopulation are particularly complex as their disorders are often under-managed and further complicated by varying degrees of involvement with the criminal justice system. Service outcomes focus progress on key Individual Treatment Plan goals; reduction in utilization in medical and psychiatric emergency hospital and medical services; reduction in criminal justice system involvement; and decreased use of alcohol and/or illegal substances. Like ACT, FACT provides services that are client-focused, community-based, time-unlimited, and delivered by a multidisciplinary team.
The FACT program is the first in the State of New Mexico and is a testament to the City’s commitment to address community behavioral health concerns and to continue to support individuals experiencing mental illness.
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)
City of Albuquerque, Department of Health, Housing and Homeless worked in collaboration with Second Judicial District Court and New Mexico Solutions to implement an Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Program. AOT is a form of civil outpatient commitment that authorizes the judicial system to mandate eligible individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) to intervention and treatment; focusing on those who have demonstrated difficulty engaging with treatment on a voluntary basis, also known at The Black Robe Effect. New Mexico Solutions as the behavioral health provider focuses their attention on keeping the individual engaged in effective treatment and medication management. When systematically implemented and adequately resourced, AOT can dramatically reduce hospitalization, criminalization, and other adverse outcomes for its target population.
Mental HEALTH Guide and Video
The City, New Mexico Department of Health, and other strong partners, commissioned the “mental HEALTH” video and guide. The 45-minute youth-focused documentary and guide is designed for teachers, parents, and group leaders. It facilitates conversation with kids about behavioral health in a way they can relate to, by talking about feelings and common stressors.
The Guide Walks parents through key steps, including:
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Prepare: Read the script, set ground rules.
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Watch: Show the video, then give everyone time to write down thoughts or questions.
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Discuss: Use easy questions—What signs of trouble did you see? How can we stay healthy? Who should we talk to if we’re worried?
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Do Activities: For middle school, make posters about stress relief or role‑play helping a friend. For high school, act out subtle signs of depression and talk about getting help. For parents, plan a family talk and learn when to reach out for support.
Suicide Prevention & Crisis Services
The Division of Behavioral Health and Wellness does not fund any of the following emergency services, however if you are in need of these services please contact any one of the agencies below.
- AGORA Crisis Center: Crisis Center call 505-277-3013
- NM Crisis and Access Line: 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474)
- UNM Psychiatric Center: 505-272-2800
- New Mexico Statewide Crisis Line: 1-866-HELP-1-NM (1-866-435-7166)
- USA National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
- USA National Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
For additional resources visit the Help Page