A state-commissioned evaluation of New York’s assisted outpatient treatment program found that voluntary outpatient mental health services produced many of the same positive outcomes as court-ordered treatment, while participants receiving voluntary care experienced fewer arrests and psychiatric hospitalizations, Politico reported Aug. 3.
Here are three things to know:
1. The analysis compared individuals treated under Kendra’s Law with those who voluntarily accessed similar outpatient services. Both groups showed improved functioning, shorter hospital stays and a lower risk of harming others. However, people who entered treatment voluntarily were less likely to be arrested or hospitalized for mental health conditions.
2. The Office of Mental Health commissioned the study at the direction of state lawmakers, and researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and the Human Services Research Institute completed the 400-page evaluation. The report concluded that expanding access to voluntary services and increasing awareness of those options “could produce similar outcomes without the attendant harms” associated with court-ordered treatment.
3. Researchers also urged the state to publish more detailed court process data, monitor outpatient treatment capacity and establish an independent oversight body to investigate complaints related to assisted outpatient treatment. Kendra’s Law was reauthorized in 2022 for another five years and is set to expire June 30, 2027, unless lawmakers approve another extension.
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