Involuntary Outpatient Commitment
Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (IOC) serves adults with diagnosed mental health conditions who have a history of repeated screening and psychiatric hospitalizations. IOC serves as a step-down commitment with intensive wraparound services, allowing the individual to reside in their home rather than in prolonged psychiatric hospitalizations.
We’re here to help with:
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Justice & Legal Involvement
Supporting you as you navigate the legal system and pursue justice.
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Community Resources
Connecting you to important resources to guide you through your wellness journey.
Eligibility
To be eligible for IOC services, you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have a referral from a state, county, private, or STCF psychiatric facility or from the Psychiatric Screening Department
- Have a diagnosed mental health condition
- Have a history of repeated screenings and psychiatric hospitalizations following noncompliance with community services and medication nonadherence
What to Expect
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Reaching Out
After receiving a referral, IOC will reach out to the referred individual to determine if services are appropriate. If accepted, the individual will participate in a conversion interview before being released from the hospital. Once released, the individual will be scheduled for an IOC intake assessment within 10 days of their hospital discharge.
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Arranging Services
After an IOC plan has been established, the individual will meet with IOC staff in person at least once a week, or more often as needed.
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Moving Forward with Care
Clients typically receive care for 9 to 12 months following hospital discharge. After court-ordered IOC commitment ends, case management services can continue for another 90 days to support ongoing stabilization.
FAQ’s
Can anyone refer a client to the IOC program?
No. Participation in the IOC program requires a court referral. Individuals are referred when a psychiatrist determines that involuntary treatment is clinically necessary and completes the required documentation. Referrals most often come from psychiatric hospitals or screening centers, though community referrals may also be made when a psychiatrist assesses that this level of care is needed.
What is needed to make a referral to the IOC program?
To make a referral to IOC, you must include:
- Completed DHMAS IOC referral forms
- Screening documents from crisis & clinical certificate from the care facility submitting referral
- STCF Inpatient Client Commitment
- Current Temporary Inpatient Order
- Medication Administration Record (MAR)
Does IOC provide mental health treatment?
No, IOC provides supportive oversight in the community. IOC staff will link clients to resources in the community based on their needs, such as mental health treatment, substance use treatment, social services, health care, etc., but the IOC program does not offer treatment services within the program itself.
Is there a waitlist for IOC?
No, IOC does not maintain a waitlist.
How do you qualify for IOC services?
To qualify for IOC services, you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have a referral from a state, county, private, or STCF psychiatric facility or from the Psychiatric Screening Department
- Have a diagnosed mental health condition
- Have a history of repeated screenings and psychiatric hospitalizations following noncompliance with community services and medication nonadherence
Can family members or loved ones be involved in IOC services?
Yes. With the individual’s permission and in accordance with privacy laws, family members and other supportive individuals can play an important role in the recovery process. IOC staff work collaboratively with clients and their support systems to encourage stability, improve communication, and connect everyone with appropriate community resources that promote long-term success.
How does IOC help individuals remain successful in the community?
IOC focuses on helping individuals maintain stability after psychiatric hospitalization by connecting them with the services and supports they need. Case managers coordinate care, monitor progress, encourage treatment participation, and help address challenges related to housing, healthcare, benefits, transportation, and other everyday needs that contribute to long-term wellness and independence.
How long will I participate in IOC services?
Most individuals participate in IOC services for approximately 9 to 12 months following discharge from the hospital, depending on their court order and individual needs. As court-ordered involvement comes to an end, IOC staff continue working with you to coordinate ongoing care and provide up to 90 days of transitional case management to help support a successful transition.
