June 30, 2009

New York State Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program Evaluation

The study was conducted for the New York State Office of Mental Health by Marvin S. Swartz, M.D.; Jeffrey W. Swanson, Ph.D.; Henry J. Steadman, Ph.D.; Pamela Clark Robbins; and John Monahan, Ph.D. They reviewed regional variations in Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs; service engagement; recipient outcomes compared to those who receive only voluntary enhanced outpatient services; service engagement and outcomes after AOT ends; and the impact of AOT on New York's public mental health system. They reviewed AOT program administrative data and data from state agencies and stakeholder organizations affected by AOT. The researchers also interviewed service recipients in six counties to assess their attitudes about treatment, their treatment experiences, and treatment outcomes.