The Overrepresentation of Black Americans in AOT

Research Summary

Assisted Outpatient Treatment Health Disparities Involuntary Treatment

A black man in assisted outpatient treatment - AOT

In the United States, Black people with SMI have been found to be more likely to receive coercive mental health treatments including involuntary hospitalizations, the use of physical restraints, the use of chemical restraints (i.e., drugs intended to sedate and calm patients), and assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) than people from other racial groups. This paper seeks to explore systemic factors, such as bias and lack of access to treatment options, that can lead people to involuntary treatment, including AOT, and why these factors are disproportionately likely to impact Black Americans.

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