Sometimes a person with a mental illness will not seek treatment no how severe their symptoms are. In these situations, Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) team steps in with the goal to engage these individuals and get them to a place where they will voluntarily accept behavioral health services after other engagement attempts have been unsuccessful. 

AOT is not a crisis response team, but will coordinate with crisis teams to assess if a person is eligible for the program. If the criteria is met, the team can petition the Kern County Superior Court to order a person to receive services. 

AOT combines court supervision with high-intensity community-based behavioral health services, and has been proven to interrupt the tragic cycle often experienced by a person with mental illness who has difficulty engaging in traditional outpatient services. The program may reduce hospitalization, incarcerations and mental health crisis. 

 AOT is a less restrictive and more preventative approach that provides intensive treatment to a person who has a history of risk to self, and in many cases, AOT can prevent the need for an involuntary hold.

Eligibility

• Live in Kern County and be at least 18 years old
• Have a mental illness
• Have a history of not complying with treatment for their mental illness, with at least one of the following being true:
  • Their mental illness has at least twice within the last 36 months, been a substantial factor in a hospitalization or incarceration OR
  • Their mental illness has resulted in one or more attempts or acts of serious violent behavior toward themselves or another within the last 48 months
• Their condition is substantially deteriorating
• Have been offered to participate in developing their treatment plan but continue to not be involved
• The program will prevent a relapse or deterioration that could result in the person meeting California's inpatient commitment standard
• AOT is the least restrictive placement, that is appropriate and feasible, and necessary to ensure recovery and stability

Referral Process

Referrals can be submitted by:

• Immediate adult family members
• Anyone over 18 who lives with the individual
• A treating licensed mental health provider
• Director of treating agency, charitable organization, licensed residential care facility or hospital
• Police, parole or probation officers who are supervising the individual

To submit a referral call: (661) 529-5526