Assisted Outpatient Treatment (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.  The program employs a recovery-focused approach that promotes wellness, self-management, shared decision making, coping skills, self-advocacy, and development of independent living skills. When carefully implemented, AOT provides a less restrictive opportunity to reduce hospital admissions and shorten lengths of hospital stays; reduce violent acts; reduce arrests and incarcerations; and reduce homelessness.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older; a resident of Bernalillo County; have a primary diagnosis of a mental disorder; have demonstrated history of lack of adherence with mental health treatment which has led to: a) two or more hospitalizations or incarcerations in the last four years, or b) one or more acts of serious violent behavior toward self or others or threats of, or attempts at, serious physical harm to self or others in the last four years, or c) incarceration or hospitalization for six months or more; Is unlikely to voluntarily participate in outpatient treatment that would enable him or her to live safely in the community; is in need of AOT as the least restrictive alternative to prevent a relapse or deterioration which would likely result in serious harm to self or others; and is likely to benefit from AOT.

If you are interested in making an AOT referral, please complete the referral form or contact 5052626520. You can also send inquiries to AOT@fnch.org

Click here for the Referral Form AOT October 2024