Assisted Outpatient Treatment

Consistent with Mental Hygiene Law 9.60 (Kendra’s Law), under the oversight of the Director of Community Services, Orleans County operates a program that provides Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).  Enhanced monitored comprehensive behavioral health services are provided to individuals with a mental illness who, in view of their treatment history and present circumstances, are unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision.

AOT Eligibility:

A person may be eligible to obtain AOT if he or she:

• Is at least 18 years of age and is diagnosed with a mental illness; and
• Is unlikely to survive in the community without supervision, based on a clinical determination; and
• Has a history of non-compliance with treatment for mental illness which has led to either: 2 hospitalizations for mental illness in the preceding 3 years, or incarceration during which psychiatric treatment was provided, or at least 1 act of violence toward self or others, or threats of serious physical harm to self or others, within the preceding 4 years; and
• Is unlikely to accept the treatment recommended in the treatment plan; and
• Is in need of AOT to avoid a relapse or deterioration that would likely result in serious harm to self or others; and
• Will likely benefit from AOT.

Additional Consumer Services:

Individuals have the opportunity to access legal representation throughout their involvement with the AOT program from Mental Hygiene Legal Services at (716) 845-3650.

In order to ensure personal choices regarding mental and physical care, if one becomes incapable of making a treatment decision, one may wish to document preferences in an Advance Directive.  More information about Advance Directives can be obtained by contacting Mental Hygiene Legal Services at (716) 845-3650.

Who should I contact if I think someone needs assistance through AOT in Orleans County?

Melinda Rhim, LMSW
AOT Coordinator
Melinda.Rhim@orleanscountyny.gov
(585) 589-3290