Nevada County: First in the State - Assisted Outreach Treatment Program

In 2008, Nevada County behavioral health officials faced a tough task: convincing some individuals with untreated mental illnesses that they were in need treatment. The Nevada County Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program offered a unique solution that bridged the gap for people that are dangerous and in need of treatment, but may not be on probation, and are not gravely disabled, or do not meet criteria for emergency involuntary hospitalization. Nevada County was the first California County to fully implement this program, and met with immediate success. Of 22 eligible candidates, 13 met program selection criteria in varying degrees and continue to receive Assisted Outpatient Treatment. Data from the Milestones of Recovery Scale indicates that seven candidates succeeded with recovery, and five others are stable and receiving voluntary intensive mental health treatment. Program costs of $80,000 were offset by savings estimated at $203,000, based on decreased hospitalization costs and reduced incarcerations.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Laura's Law
• Mental Health
• Nevada County