Assisted Outpatient Treatment: Improving Outcomes and Saving Money

Research Summary

Assisted Outpatient Treatment

Assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) is a tool in the toolbox for civil courts and mental health systems to work collaboratively to help individuals with serious mental illness caught in a cycle of repeat hospitalizations, homelessness and incarcerations. Individuals who benefit from AOT have a history of inconsistent engagement with treatment often due to diminished awareness of the need for treatment. AOT aims to motivate and assist individuals with serious mental illness to engage in treatment and ensure that the mental health system is attentive to their needs. Studies show that AOT can dramatically improve treatment outcomes and substantially reduce the likelihood of repeat hospitalization and criminal justice involvement for its target population. Click for a summary of research findings on AOT.

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