Introduction

The Hays County Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program is a specialty civil court dedicated to supporting adults aged 18 and older who face mental health and substance use challenges and may have experienced frequent hospitalizations or involvement with the criminal justice system. The AOT program is overseen by Judge Elaine Brown in County Court at Law #3. By providing access to evidence-based outpatient treatment options and personalized case management, we aim to support individuals in recovery and maintain independence in the community.

The AOT program aims to help individuals achieve stability and success in their lives by fostering collaboration between the individual, their family, the courts, treatment providers, and community resources.

Referral Process

Referrals for the AOT program can be made by clicking the “Referral Link” below and completing the form. Referrals can be submitted by the following individuals:

·        Medical professionals

·        Law enforcement officers

·        Judges

·        Attorneys

·        Family/Friends

·        Self-referral

·        District Attorney’s Office

Services Offered

Participants are empowered to lead their own individualized treatment plan that include:

·        Case management offering ongoing support, life skills training, connections to resources, assistance with housing and employment, and help with benefits applications

·        Counseling services to address emotional and behavioral challenges, process trauma, develop coping skills, and build resilience

·        Psychiatry services for medication management and symptom relief

Mission

The mission of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program to promote the recovery of adults in the community experiencing severe mental health challenges and provide access to treatment to improve adherence to treatment and reduce involvement in the criminal justice system or the requirement of inpatient treatment. AOT is the practice of providing community-based mental health treatment under civil court commitment for adults with mental illness struggling with treatment adherence and/or cycles through repeat hospitalizations and criminal law.

Purpose

The purpose of the AOT program is to provide participants with additional support to access outpatient mental health treatment as an alternative to inpatient psychiatric treatment or incarceration. AOT links the participant to treatment, rehabilitation, social support services, and the civil court system to enhance their quality of life and effectively utilize community resources.

Program Goals

·        Identify individuals who experience frequent hospitalizations, incarcerations, interactions with law enforcement, or struggle to adhere to treatment.

·        Support individuals in achieving their treatment and life goals by facilitating access to necessary services, including treatment, transportation, housing, and additional support services.

·        Provide thorough case management to ensure individuals receive the appropriate mental health services, while regularly assessing the program's effectiveness and outcomes.

·        Foster collaboration and build partnerships with community organizations to enhance the availability of services and resources available in Hays County.

·        Improve treatment adherence through civil judicial monitoring, intensive case management, and ongoing supervision from family and program staff.

Eligibility Criteria

·        Hays County resident (case by case basis if out of county)

·        18 years of age or older

·        Diagnosed with a Mental Health Disorder such as Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Secondary substance use disorders are also considered for Assisted Outpatient Treatment

·        History of lack of compliance with treatment and behaviors over previous two years

·        Unable to safely live in the community

·        Unlikely to voluntarily participate in treatment without supervision

·        Clinical condition makes rational decision making difficult

·        No current or pending criminal offenses (possibly eligible for case dismissal to participate, case by case basis)

·        No substantial history of violent or assaultive offenses

• The AOT program accepts referrals from all sources. Including but not limited to: judges, defense attorneys, law enforcement, the jail, treatment providers, or family members. Once a referral has been received and reviewed, the potential participant will be contacted to schedule a screening appointment with AOT and Mental Health provider.