Case management is an important part of the mental health treatment process. It not only helps a client find the treatment they need but also advocates for their rights as human beings.
Sometimes treatment can be complicated, especially for those struggling with addiction and other co-occurring mental health disorders. Addiction treatment consists of several steps and therapies. This can be anything from finding the right residential treatment program or even finding the right support group. It's a lot for any one person to keep track of by themselves. Because of this, everyone gets a case worker. This is a mental health professional that helps you find the right treatments to achieve recovery.
Facilities like Pathways Wellness Center utilize case management for all of their clients. When someone is in treatment, they should be focused on their recovery. Having case management allows those in treatment to relax and focus on their treatment.
When someone enters into the care of a caseworker in need of help, a process begins between the client and the caseworker. Sometimes it can be one person, or a team of people, working together to help an individual get the care they need.
The first step is the intake process. This begins by reminding the client that case management is a collaborative process. Their feelings and thoughts are important and should be voiced at any time. The client is also reminded that their caseworker will be looking out for them and their rights. Everyone has the right to care. If you feel as though you are being discriminated against, a client should let their case worker know right away.
The intake process has two purposes. Initially, it is to build trust and understanding between the case worker and the client. Secondly, it is to collect information needed for the next step. Such information needed by caseworkers includes:
This information will never be shared with anyone else besides those on a client's treatment team. Caseworkers take the trust of their clients seriously and do not betray that trust. Once a caseworker has gathered the data for their case management files, they go on to the next step.
The next step is to assess the client's needs. Here, a case worker examines the data from the intake process and speaks with the client further. This is the time when the client's problems, goals, needs, and interests are addressed. For example, if someone wants addiction treatment, they may have a goal of becoming sober, but they may have a problem obtaining that goal because they struggle with a co-occurring mental health disorder. The caseworker listens to the client and then performs a needs assessment.
Risk assessment is when the risks to the success of a client are identified. Yes, the client wants to recover from their addiction. But, they also live in an unstable environment with little familial support. This can jeopardize someone's chances of success. By noting these down, a case worker can then evaluate all their data, and move to the third step.
The third step is service planning. During this step, a case manager helps their clients make realistic goals. Then, they will find the treatments and programs needed to help their client accomplish their goal. Someone wants to overcome addiction, so they get referred to a residential treatment program. To address their lack of support, they are recommended group therapy and sometimes assigned mentors.
Clients are not only given an outline of their treatment plan at this time but a timeline as well. This helps clients stay focused and allows a case worker to monitor their progress, which leads to the next step.
The last step is known as monitoring and evaluation. During this time, a case worker will monitor a client as they undergo their treatment. Progress is looked at so adjustments can be made as needed. Just because someone enters treatment doesn't mean that they are dropped by their case worker. This is far from the truth, as a case worker keeps an eye on a client and their case management through treatment.
Sometimes a caseworker will meet with a client regularly and ask if they feel their treatments are effective. Caseworkers take feedback seriously, so clients can be honest with them.
This collaborative work continues until the client no longer needs their services. However, a case worker can be contacted when needed, even long after treatment is concluded.
Case management not only makes it easier for a client to find treatment, but it also makes it easier to find success. By collaborating with a case worker, a client can get the support they need to achieve recovery. It's why places like Pathways Wellness Center utilizes case management with their clients. It doesn't just make the process less stressful, it gives people confidence in themselves and the people they trust.
Sometimes a person may feel fear or shame when working with a case worker. They may be afraid of judgment for their background or economic state. However, there is nothing to fear. Caseworkers are mental health professionals who care deeply about others and will never judge someone for asking for help.
If you would like help monitoring your mental health, reach out to your local mental health care facility. Nobody has to struggle alone.
When someone enters treatment for the first time, they may feel as though they are alone. However, this is far from the truth, as there are mental health professionals there to help with case management. This is when an individual professional or team helps someone find the treatment they need to succeed in their goals. Here at Pathways Wellness Center in Azusa and Glendora, California, we know that case management is important for success. Not only can someone find the help they need, but they gain advocates who make sure that their rights are always acknowledged. If you or someone you love is struggling, don't wait. Call us today at (888) 771-0966.
