Filing a Petition

How to File an 

Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) 

Petition in Snohomish County

1) Go to this website https://nsbhaso.org/aot

2) Download the AOT Petition Guide, the AOT petition, and as many declarations as you need

3) Follow the instructions listed within the AOT petitioner Guide to complete the petition and declarations

4) Submit the petition and declarations to the snohomish county prosecuter office. 

A Step-by-Step Guide

If you believe an individual in Snohomish County may need Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), the process begins with filing a petition through an eligible petitioner. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the AOT petition process.

📌 Start Here: Check Eligibility
Before beginning the formal petition process, use this quick, but optional, eligibility form to determine if filing a petition is likely to be successful:
➡️ AOT Petition Eligibility Form

⚠ Please Note: Only specific individuals or professionals can file an AOT petition. CONQUER does not file petitions but provides treatment services for individuals already enrolled in the program.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility to File a Petition

To file an AOT petition, you must be an eligible petitioner under Washington State law. The following individuals and professionals can file a petition:

✔ The director (or designee) of a hospital where the individual is hospitalized
✔ The director (or designee) of a behavioral health service provider currently providing care or residential services to the individual
✔ The individual’s treating mental health professional or substance use disorder professional, or a clinician who has evaluated the individual
✔ A designated crisis responder (DCR)
✔ A release planner from a corrections facility
✔ An emergency room physician

💡If you are not one of the above individuals but if you still think someone needs to be evaluated you are welcome to refer them to CONQUER if they are willing to come to be evaluated. 

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

Before filing, you will need to provide:
📌 The individual’s identifying information (name, date of birth, address, etc.)
📌 A history of their mental illness or substance use disorder
📌 Documented history of non-adherence to treatment
📌 Evidence of recent hospitalizations, incarcerations, or dangerous behaviors
📌 Reasons why AOT is the least restrictive alternative for treatment

Step 3: Submit the AOT Petition

📍 Where to File:
AOT petitions in Snohomish County are filed with the Snohomish County Superior Court.

📂 How to File:
1️⃣ Complete the AOT Petition Form (available through the Superior Court).
2️⃣ Submit the completed petition to the court clerk’s office.
3️⃣ If required, provide supporting documents, medical records, and witness statements.

Step 4: Court Review & Hearing

Once the petition is submitted:
🔹 The court will review the petition and supporting documents.
🔹 If the petition meets legal requirements, a hearing will be scheduled where the individual, their attorney, and the petitioner may present evidence.
🔹 If the court finds the individual meets the criteria, a court order for outpatient treatment will be issued.

If the petition is denied, the petitioner may work with mental health professionals to explore other treatment options.

Step 5: Implementation of AOT Order

If the petition is granted, the individual will be assigned to a treatment team which includes:
✔ Nurse Case Manager – Coordinates medical and psychiatric care
✔ Certified Peer Counselors (CPCs) – Provide mentorship, advocacy, and community support
✔ Psychiatric Provider – Manages medication and psychiatric care
✔ Therapist – Provides therapy and coping strategies
✔ Substance Use Disorder Counselor (if needed) – Assists with addiction treatment

The individual will be required to adhere to the treatment plan as outlined in the court order, with regular monitoring and follow-up by the treatment team.

Need More Information?

While CONQUER does not initiate AOT petitions, we can provide guidance and treatment services for individuals who are already enrolled in the program.

📞 AOT Program Line: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
📧 AOT@conqueraddiction.org
📍 809 W. Main St., Suite C, Monroe, WA 98272

📢 If you need immediate crisis support, contact:
🚨 988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
🚔 911 - Immediate Danger

By following these steps, eligible petitioners can ensure that individuals in need receive the structured care and supervision necessary to maintain stability in the community. Together, we can CONQUER the challenges of mental illness and substance use, helping individuals reclaim their lives.