This timeline, “Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Research Highlights,” provides an at-a-glance view of a selection of Policy Research’s foundational peer-reviewed findings that have shaped the national understanding of effective AOT implementation. AOT is a court-ordered civil legal mechanism that connects adults with serious mental illness to coordinated, community-based mental health and support services.
The infographic provides the titles of peer-reviewed research, key findings, and links to the full publications for additional reading.
Highlighted research includes the following articles:
- The Relationship Between Mandated Community Treatment and Perceived Barriers to Care in Persons With Severe Mental Illness (2005) examined barriers and facilitators to care for people engaged in AOT programs.
- Assessing Outcomes For Consumers in New York’s AOT Program (2010) examined changes for people engaged in AOT programs, including hospitalizations and engagement in community-based services.
- Reductions in Arrest Under AOT in New York (2010) examined changes in arrests among people enrolled in AOT programs.
- The Cost of AOT: Can It Save States Money? (2013) examined the expenses and potential cost savings for AOT programs.
- Clinical and Social Functioning Outcomes of AOT: Results From a Multisite Evaluation (2025) examined individual outcomes among people engaged in AOT programs, including changes in self-reported life satisfaction, suicidality, arrests, and hospitalizations.
This infographic was first released in 2026.
Suggested Citation
Policy Research Associates. (2026). Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) research highlights? https://www.prainc.com/resource-library