AOT Resource Library

• 
  February 2025

  System of care roles and responsibilities

  This resource is meant to provide a general overview of the roles, restrictions, and information-sharing activities for positions that are a part of the AOT System of Care. These lists are nonexhaustive, and some roles are not represented.

  Courts

  Mental health providers

  Hospitals

  Families and advocates

  Law enforcement

  Resource
• 
  February 2025

  Establishing clear and convincing evidence for AOT

  This resource depicts that the burden of proof in Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) cases lies with the petitioner, who must provide "clear and convincing" evidence that the individual meets specific criteria for AOT. This includes demonstrating the persons mental illness impairs their ability to care for themselves or poses a risk to themselves or others, and that they lack insight into their need for treatment. Testimony from psychiatrists, who act as expert witnesses, is central to these proceedings, with case managers and treatment team members providing supportive information. Clear, detailed case notes are essential for psychiatrists to effectively present evidence in court.

  Courts

  Mental health providers

  Hospitals

  Families and advocates

  Brief
• 
  December 2024

  Treatment courts vs. AOT process

  The document "Treatment Courts vs. AOT Process" explains the key differences between treatment courts and the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) process in Michigan, highlighting their distinct functions and eligibility criteria. While treatment courts focus on rehabilitation for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, AOT operates within probate courts to mandate involuntary mental health treatment for individuals who cannot recognize their need for care. It emphasizes that AOT provides a legal mechanism for treatment without criminal consequences, whereas treatment courts offer alternatives to incarceration for those convicted of crimes, with legal sanctions for non-compliance.

  Courts

  Mental health providers

  Hospitals

  Individuals

  Families and advocates

  Law enforcement

  Brief
• 
  March 2023

  Terminology 101: Mental illness

  In this video, Scott Smith provides a comprehensive overview of key terminology related to Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). He explains important concepts such as mental illness, serious mental illness, psychosis, and various related terms including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder. Smith clarifies the distinctions between different conditions and discusses their implications for treatment and diagnosis. This resource aims to enhance understanding of these terms for those involved in behavioral health and justice systems.

  Families and advocates

  Individuals

  Training
• 
  March 2023

  Terminology 101: Treatment

  In this video, Scott Smith, a technical consultant with the Centers for Behavioral Health and Justice, explains key terminology related to Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). He covers foundational concepts like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), treatment types, and settings including outpatient, inpatient, and crisis residential units. Smith also distinguishes between voluntary and involuntary treatment and discusses the importance of evidence-based treatments. This resource is designed to clarify these terms for better understanding and application in mental health care.

  Families and advocates

  Individuals

  Training
• 
  March 2023

  Assisted outpatient treatment and anosognosia

  This training, hosted by Scott Smith, Ph.D., is designed to help families and advocates a symptom of serious mental illness called anosognosia, how it contributes to someone’s inability to consistently engage in treatment, and how assisted outpatient treatment is designed to help. Learn about how anosognosia, or the impairment to recognize one’s illness, might be affecting certain areas of the brain.

  Families and advocates

  Training
• 
  March 2023

  Introduction to the ethical considerations of AOT

  Join Scott Smith, PhD, in an introduction to the ethical considerations of assisted outpatient treatment (AOT). This video introduces AOT as a legal method for mandating outpatient care for individuals with severe mental illness at risk of harm. Ethical considerations such as autonomy and involuntary treatment are examined alongside potential risks like coercion, while benefits include reducing hospitalizations and improving outcomes. AOT is contrasted with guardianship, emphasizing its distinct legal framework. Safeguarding measures like regular judicial review aim to protect the rights of those under AOT orders are also discussed.

  Families and advocates

  Training
• 
  March 2023

  AOT as a proactive tool for families and advocates

  How does AOT work? Is AOT right for my loved one? How will AOT increase the likelihood that my loved will participate in treatment? Will AOT increase the likelihood that my loved one will have access to appropriate services? What are the legal ramifications and how can I support my loved one? These are just some of the questions that will be addressed during this webinar focused on how family members and advocates can navigate the AOT process and support individuals who are under AOT orders.

  Families and advocates

  Webinar
• 
  March 2023

  Assisted outpatient treatment: A resource for families

  This resource is a general overview of AOT for families and loved ones of those with serious mental illness (SMI). AOT is a civil court order for mental health treatment; it is a tool, not a specific type of mental health treatment. Adjustments can be made as needed, and each AOT case is different. This flyer walks families and advocates through eight steps from getting a petition to ending an order, and who in the AOT system of care plays a role in each step.

  Families and advocates

  Brief