Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)

In May 2016, the Board of Supervisors approved the Behavioral Wellness Department to design and implement a 10-person feasibility pilot program for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).  The program seeks to improve the quality of life of participants, support them on their path to recovery and wellness, prevent decompensating of symptoms, and prevent incarceration and cycling through acute services (e.g., psychiatric hospitalization). 

The goals of AOT are to (a) identify persons with serious mental illness who are not engaged in treatment, (b) determine if there is substantial risk for deterioration and/or involuntary detention (under WIC § 5150) that could be mitigated by provision of appropriate services and offer voluntary services, or (c) petition the court to order participation in such services if the individual is not able to be successfully engaged by other means.

In preparation for this small pilot program's launch, anticipated for January 2017, Behavioral Wellness has convened a community stakeholder group composed of representatives from parent and peer organizations, the Latino Advisory Committee and community-based organizations (CBOs) currently operating Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs.  This workgroup will provide input to the department regarding  practical and philosophical parameters of the AOT program.   

More Information:

• Assisted Outpatient Treatment Training PowerPoint
• Assisted Outpatient Treatment Presentation (PowerPoint, March 20, 2015)
  
• Laura's Law Functional Outline
  
• CA Welfare and Institutions Code (5346, Assisted Outpatient Treatment)

Reports:

• Year 1 Report
• Year 2 Report
  

If you would like to refer someone to our AOT program, or need further assistance, please call (888) 868-1649.