A recent examination of assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) implemented in the Nevada County, California looked at the cost savings that resulted from 17 individuals who were enrolled in AOT during the first 2½ years of program implementation (no comparison group was included). The results showed a total cost savings of over $500,000, attributable to decreases in hospitalizations and in jail time of the 17 individuals. For every $1.00 invested in AOT in Nevada County, $1.81 was saved (Heggarty 2011).
AOT reduces 72 hour holds, it reduces the amount of times individuals with serious mental illness are arrested, helps them remain in housing, helps them to become 'independent' of the system, helps them return to the work force, helps them stay alive, reduces domestic violence calls to the police and is MORE humane than inpatient or incarceration.
