Assisted Outpatient Treatment
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious mental illness who are unable to live safely in the community, but who refuse to participate in treatment on their own. The law that allows court-ordered treatment is sometimes called “Laura’s Law”. SLO Behavioral Health’s AOT program started in March, 2016, and is funded by the Mental Health Services Act.
AOT Program:
SLO Behavioral Health staff provide assessment, program support and coordination with the court. Services offered to AOT clients include:
- Co-Occurring treatment to address both mental health and substance use disorder needs
- Rehabilitation services to assist clients in learning and utilizing skills to improve self-care, social support system, and health
- Intensive case management to support clients in accessing housing, financial, vocational, health care, and social support services, including voluntary mental health services
The Behavioral Health Department has fully re-opened all of our locations for in person and walk-in care. At this time, masks are required at all of our facilities, even for people who have been fully vaccinated. Visit SLOPublicHealth.org for the latest COVID-19 updates.
What is the process?
Screening and Referral to AOT
You will need a screening and referral to AOT, which occurs through SLO Behavioral Health’s
Central Access line: 1 (800) 838-1381
Acceptance of Voluntary Services
The Assisted Outpatient team will work with the client to help them accept voluntary services. The team will provide services to clients until they are successfully connected with voluntary services.
Assessment and Petition to Court
Only when this effort is not successful will SLO Behavioral Health AOT staff complete an assessment and petition the court to order an adult into AOT.
Who can use this service?
To be eligible for AOT services, the referred individual must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have serious mental health needs
- Have refused mental health treatment
- Be unlikely to survive in the community without treatment, evidenced by repeated recent hospitalization and/or incarceration due to untreated mental health needs
- Be currently seriously decompensating (getting worse)
The following people may refer an individual for AOT:
- A parent, spouse, sibling, or adult child of the individual
- Any adult who lives with the individual
- A licensed mental health provider supervising the individual’s treatment
- A peace, parole, or probation officer
Is there a charge for this service?
This service is provided free of charge.
When and where is this service offered?
The service is available throughout SLO County.
Location, directions and hours of operation
Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information
2178 Johnson Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the court order for AOT does not require an individual in AOT to take medication.
Contact the SLO Behavioral Health at (800) 838-1381 to request Assisted Outpatient Treatment services.
Staff provides field-based outreach and are able to go into our community to locate and engage with referred individuals. Please provide as much information as possible when making a referral. Some housing resources may be available for individuals in this program.
Please contact our access line at 1 (800) 838-1381 for information or to schedule an appointment. All services are available in Spanish.
“Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.