The Benefits of Working With a Dedicated Case Manager During the Transition to Aftercare

Individuals recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) benefit from working with skilled case managers who provide guidance and advocate on their behalf. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), "Case management is framed around screening to identify a patient's medical, psychosocial, behavioral, and functional needs, and then working directly and/or through community resources to address these needs while the SUD is treated." Treatment programs at West Coast Recovery Centers provide clients with access to case management and other essential support services. 

What Is a Case Manager?

A case manager coordinates client care by collaborating with clinicians, clients and their families, and community resources. Clients all have different needs, preferences, and expectations. Case managers ensure clients can access individualized services and the necessary tools to heal and manage their condition. In addition, case managers monitor service quality by ensuring clinicians consider each client's personal, religious, and cultural beliefs when creating treatment plans. 

Case managers generally have the following goals in mind: 

• Ensuring clients receive effective, affordable, and appropriate care
• Connecting clients and their families with relevant treatments and services 
• Evaluating the needs and treatment progress of clients in recovery
• Ensuring clients and the care team have clear objectives and treatment goals 

Case managers guide clients through treatment and provide essential support during the move to aftercare. Ending treatment may feel abrupt for some clients, and the transition to aftercare may feel jarring. However, case managers reduce stress surrounding aftercare by ensuring clients know what to expect and providing them with access to the resources they need. Furthermore, case managers may also function as an anchor to keep clients from backsliding during the first few weeks of independent sobriety.

What Services Do Case Managers Provide?

Case managers provide a wide range of services. They may remain in contact with clients for several weeks or months after they complete treatment, depending on whether the client chooses to take advantage of alumni services. According to the International Journal of Integrative Care, "The individual goals and needs of the client dictate the response and services" provided by case managers. West Coast Recovery Centers prepares clients for aftercare by being transparent about the possible challenges and preparing clients to manage them.

A dedicated case manager does the following: 

• Acts as a bridge between clients, their families, and the clinical team
• Advocates for the client and ensures they receive effective treatment 
• Identifies potential problems people may encounter during early recovery and offers solutions 

Navigating aftercare may feel scary or uncomfortable for some clients. Case managers smooth the transition from treatment by providing information, encouragement, and practical support. 

How Do Case Managers Ease the Transition to Aftercare?

The transition to aftercare may feel emotionally destabilizing for some people. Individuals with severe or complex mental health issues might need additional support during the stepdown from structured treatment or aftercare. The care team helps clients prepare by ensuring they have a support system and crisis management strategies in place to help them cope with the transition.

Case managers also help clients, and their loved ones prepare for the change and comfortably transition to aftercare services by doing the following: 

• Ensuring clients understand the realities of living with lingering side effects of SUD, including cravings and intrusive thoughts
• Communicating clear expectations for clients who want to take advantage of alumni services 
• Working with community-based programs to ensure clients have access to the resources and services they need to maintain sobriety 

Often, the stress of not knowing what to expect causes the highest levels of anxiety. Case managers break down what clients can expect to happen directly before, during, and after the transition into aftercare. Clients often find the detailed explanations alleviate most of their fears about leaving treatment. 

What to Expect From Your Case Manager at West Coast Recovery Centers

West Coast Recovery Centers prioritizes individualized programs and care. The clinical team collaborates closely with clients and their case managers to ensure a smooth transition from treatment to aftercare. Clients can expect frequent check-ins with their case manager to track recovery progress and answer any questions they may have about their care. Case managers continue to check in with alumni after treatment to ensure they have the information and resources they need to access critical aftercare services. In addition, case managers often have the essential role of helping family members prepare for their loved one's return home. 

How Does a Case Manager Help With Aftercare Planning

Clinicians help clients determine the best aftercare services to meet their unique needs. Case managers ensure clients have all the information they need to transition safely from structured treatment to aftercare. The extra support helps clients feel more confident in managing their sobriety. Case managers ensure clients and their families understand the services and resources available during treatment and aftercare. 

Dedicated case managers ensure clients and their families have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and treatment. In addition, case managers also work as a go-between for clients and clinicians to ensure everyone remains on the same page and clients receive the best possible care. The transition from residential or outpatient care to aftercare can feel scary for some clients, and they may wonder if they have the skills to manage their sobriety without structured care. Case managers prepare clients for aftercare and ensure they have access to essential services and resources. To learn more about the service and programs at West Coast Recovery Centers, call us today at (760) 492-6509.