AOT Resource Library

• 
  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

  Serious mental illness and assisted outpatient treatment for law enforcement

  This training, presented by Scott Smith, is designed to provide law enforcement officers with an overview of serious mental illness, the basics of assisted outpatient treatment (AOT), and how AOT can help law enforcement officers in working with civilians in mental distress. This training is a part of the AOT toolkit.

  Law enforcement

  Training
• 
  March 2023

  Why assisted outpatient treatment matters to law enforcement

  In this webinar, Scott Smith from the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice explains the significant benefits of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) for law enforcement. AOT, which involves court-ordered mental health treatment, has shown impressive results in states like New York, including reduced rates of psychiatric hospitalizations, homelessness, and substance use. The program also leads to substantial cost savings for the system and improves community safety by decreasing property crimes and mental health crisis calls. For law enforcement, AOT enhances officer safety by lowering injury rates and reducing the frequency of mental health-related call-outs.

  Law enforcement

  Training
• 
  March 2023

  How to complete a petition and when is AOT appropriate for law enforcement

  In this training, Scott Smith, Ph.D. draws from his experience as a reserve police officer and a mental health clinician to talk about when assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) (aka Kevin’s Law) is an appropriate tool for law enforcement, who is eligible, how to complete a petition, and key information to share with the community about the process. Use the chapters in this video to navigate the content, including specific instructions for each item in the petition.

  Law enforcement

  Training
• 
  March 2023

  AOT and law enforcement

  What role do law enforcement agencies and officers play in AOT orders? Since AOT (also known as Kevin's Law) is a civil order, what are the responsibilities of officers regarding transport orders? How does AOT fit with Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and other crisis response police work? Join us for a conversation with retired Deputy Chief Jim Grafton of Calhoun County and Sergeant Greg Howard of Genesee County to learn about their county's experience with AOT. This informative discussion was led by Scott Smith, Ph.D., and answered questions about AOT in real life practice.

  Law enforcement

  Webinar
• 
  August 2022

  Engagement: Vital Components within Community Behavioral Health for people on Assisted Outpatient Treatment Orders

  In this video, Dr. Debra Pinals, Medical Director of Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, emphasizes the critical role of engagement in Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). She outlines how engagement with individuals under AOT orders is essential for their care, addressing challenges like maintaining treatment and preventing frequent hospitalizations. Dr. Pinals highlights the progress made in person-centered care, motivational interviewing, and integrating services, while acknowledging ongoing challenges and the importance of community mental health services. The video underscores that effective engagement goes beyond court orders and medication, involving a holistic, person-centered approach to support and recovery.

  Mental health providers

  Training
• 
  August 2022

  Community mental health requirements for assisted outpatient treatment

  In the video presented by Sojourner Jones from the Detroit Wayne Integrative Health Network, viewers receive an overview of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in Michigan. The video details the various types of AOT orders, including hospitalization and outpatient options, and emphasizes the importance of timely submissions and ongoing engagement with community mental health agencies. It also highlights the responsibilities of Community Mental Health (CMH) providers in ensuring seamless transitions from inpatient settings and maintaining treatment continuity.

  Mental health providers

  Training