New York Standardizes Voluntary Alternative To Court-Ordered Assisted Outpatient Treatment

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) standardized the use of Enhanced Voluntary Agreements (EVAs) as an alternative to court-ordered Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) for certain people with serious mental illness. The state is also providing $16.5 million annually to improve coordination among hospitals, emergency services, courts, law enforcement, and community provider organizations, plus $2 million annually for additional AOT training and oversight. The changes are funded through the state's Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The announcement did not state how the $18.5 million will be allocated across counties and provider organizations.

AOT, established under . . .