Understanding Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)

What is AOT? Assisted Outpatient Treatment is a legal process that helps ensure individuals receive necessary mental health care when voluntary treatment hasn't been successful. Created by Louisiana law (Statute 28:66-76), this program provides court-ordered psychiatric treatment for those who need it most.

Why It's Needed

While mental health treatment is typically voluntary, some individuals who decline care may experience:

• Worsening health conditions
• Increased risks to themselves
• Difficulties for family and friends

How It Works

AOT allows judges to require treatment in specific cases where:

• Other approaches have failed
• There's clear risk of negative outcomes
• Voluntary treatment has been unsuccessful

Our Program

In New Orleans, AOT operates through:

• Civil District Court Judge Kern Reese
• Healing Minds NOLA
• City of New Orleans funding

This compassionate intervention helps ensure people get the care they need, even when they're initially resistant to treatment.

Learn More About AOT