ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT

Community Support for Mental Health Recovery

Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is a court order that helps people with serious mental illness get the care they need. AOT provides care for people who may not understand they need it.

The probate court decides if someone needs an AOT through a petitioning process. If approved, a local mental health agency (like MCCMH) will make a treatment plan based on the person’s goals. This approach provides care in the community, so people don’t have to go to the hospital or jail.

AOT helps people:

Manage their mental health
Reduce harmful behaviors
Live more independently

How to Get Help

You can petition for AOT through the probate court in the county where the person lives.

To learn more about how AOT works in your county, contact your local mental health agency or the probate court. They can explain how AOT petitions are filed and handled in your community.

Find your county probate court and download the mental health treatment petition from the Wayne State University Center of Behavioral Health and Justice’s website.

Resources

Explore our resource library to learn more about AOT and the system of care:

Understanding Assisted Outpatient Treatment

A Guide to Assisted Outpatient Treatment for Families and Caretakers

The Role of Emergency Rooms in Assisted Outpatient Treatment

Digital Materials

AOT Brochure
Additional brochures for:
- The System of Care
  - Person Served
  - Families, Caretakers, & Advocates
  - Courts
  - Law Enforcement
  - Hospitals

The Role of Mental Health Providers in Assisted Outpatient Treatment

The Role of Law Enforcement in Assisted Outpatient Treatment

A Guide to Assisted Outpatient Treatment for Law Enforcement

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for AOT?

An adult with a serious mental illness may be considered for AOT if they:

Might hurt themselves or others
Struggle to meet basic needs like food, clothing, or shelter
Do not realize they need mental health care and refuse treatment

What is the system of care?

People with serious mental illness don’t have to get better alone. The system of care works together to give mental health services in the community. The goal is to help them move toward voluntary care.

The system of care includes:

Courts

Mental health providers

Hospitals

Families, caregivers, and advocates

Law enforcement

Person receiving care

What are the benefits of AOT?

Research shows AOT reduces the negative effects of untreated SMI, including hospital stays, arrests and jail time, suicidal and aggressive behaviors, and substance use.

What kind of services can be ordered?

AOT orders include different services designed to fit each person’s needs. These services help them manage their mental health. The services may vary depending on the person, the probate court, and the community mental health agency.

AOT services may include:

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Case management

Day or partial-day programs

Educational or vocational training

Medication

Individual and/or group outpatient therapy

Substance use treatment and testing

Placement in supervised living or group homes

Is AOT issued through the district court?

No, AOT is ordered by the probate court. It is not a crime, and people on an AOT order cannot be jailed if they don’t follow treatment.