Use of outpatient treatment during civil commitment: law and practice in Nebraska.

Applying the principle of least restrictive alternative in civil commitment seldom results in outpatient treatment, even after initial treatment in a more restrictive setting. We studied 18 committed persons who were receiving outpatient treatment and compared them with three patient groups that differed by admission status and treatment setting. We offered explanations as to why outpatient treatment seldom proved to be the final step toward release from commitment.