Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program

Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is a mental health program designed to treat patients with serious mental illness and a history of treatment failure. These individuals tend to suffer from severe psychiatric disorders such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. 

The purpose of the AOT Program is to give participants the tools needed to help manage mental illness so they are better prepared to live safely in the community. Many people who participate in this program spend less time in the hospital than they had before. The SIU Team will help to ensure participants have access to the mental health services needed, including case management, and psychiatry services. If participants have other service needs, the Program Services Specialist with SIU will help to secure those services. The SIU Team will also oversee progress in the AOT Program and provide regular updates to the court. 

This program is funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), SIU School of Medicine, and the Sangamon County judicial system. 

The AOT program provides court-ordered outpatient treatment for persons with severe mental illness who meet the criteria listed below. 

Who Can Request AOT? 

  • Immediate adult family members 
  • Adults residing with the individual 
  • Director of treating agency, organization, facility, or hospital 
  • Treating licensed mental health professional
  • Police officer, parole or probation officer supervising the individual 

Who Qualifies for AOT?

  • Sangamon County resident
  • Minimum 18 years of age  
  • Person is suffering from a mental illness
  • History of lack of compliance with treatment
  • Currently non-compliant with treatment or admitted to a psychiatric facility 
  • Has been and is expected to become, either a danger to themselves or others OR is unable to take care of their basic needs
  • AOT would be the least restrictive placement, which is appropriate and feasible, and necessary to ensure recovery and stability 

Making an AOT Referral 

Fill out our contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you. 
Assisted Outpatient Treatment - SIU Team Contact Form (siumed.edu)
By Phone: 217-545-0092

Behavioral Health Resources