The debate over court-ordered mental health care

Massachusetts lawmakers will soon consider a bill that would make it legal for someone to be committed to outpatient mental health treatment under court order. It's often called assisted outpatient treatment, and Massachusetts is one of only three states that doesn't have a law supporting it on the books.

This type of court-ordered program has sparked fierce debate among mental health advocates in the state, with many standing in opposition. WBUR Reporter Deborah Becker joins The Common to discuss this legislation, and the arguments for and against its passage.