When you are just beginning treatment, recovery can seem like a monumental, and intimidating task. Between the physical withdrawal experienced during an initial detox, co-occurring mental health concerns, and socio-economic considerations, it can be easy for anyone seeking recovery to feel overwhelmed.
Fortunately, you do not need to walk the path to recovery alone. Comprehensive case management services can provide the support and guidance you need to stay on track and succeed. Fostering a collaborative effort between clinical care and social services, your case manager can connect you with the professionals and resources that will serve your needs best. Substance abuse treatment is a multifaceted process that demands an approach that considers both your physical and mental health. Case managers can ensure that these healthcare needs are met, in addition to providing access to vital social services that will help you thrive.
Why the Presence of a Case Manager is Important
Case management assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the treatment options and resources that meet your individual health and human service needs. The Case Management Society of America believes that the philosophy of case management should be rooted in the fact that, when an individual reaches a favorable level of wellness and functional capability, everyone can reap the benefits of their success. The extra level of assistance provided by a case manager will not only improve your life, but the lives of the people that support you, your healthcare delivery team, and the other professionals you interact with in your recovery journey.
A meta-analysis of 35 studies, encompassing data from over 6,000 patients, found that the presence of a case manager during treatment leads to greater improvements in social functioning and lower drop-out rates from mental health programs. Patients who have case managers also experience an overall greater improvement in all symptoms and a reduction in the length of their hospital stays. Families of patients who utilize case management services also record higher levels of satisfaction and typically feel the burden of care placed on them is dramatically lessened.
What is a Case Manager?
Case managers function as a liaison between clients seeking treatment and health care professionals. They also work with family and community members to address and assess treatment planning. Case managers work in many different environments, helping to create treatment and recovery plans that are personalized to fit your individual needs. Successful case managers are organized, empathetic, patient, and communicative with the clients they serve.
The typical duties of a case manager might include the following:
- Conducting assessments of patients, both clinical and psychosocial
- Providing management over care teams
- Evaluating the appropriate level of care necessary
- Coordinating client care between multiple healthcare providers
- Monitoring compliance with treatment and/or recovery plans
- Establishing a client’s schedule and monitoring weekly progress
- Educating clients on healthcare benefits
- Coordinating ethical and legal issues related to patient care
- Overseeing healthcare costs and insurance coverage
Why Utilize Case Management?
When you decide to begin your recovery journey, you may experience anxiety and feel overwhelmed when considering the path forward. During treatment, you may worry about keeping track of important meetings with doctors, therapy appointments, personal life events, and everything in between. With case management, you are equipped with personalized organizational tools and a manageable schedule to ensure your success.
Additionally, continued follow-up with a case management team can help you develop the life skills you need on your recovery journey. Case managers can help surface concerns and obstacles that you might be experiencing and connect you with resources you might never have known existed. You and your case manager can monitor your individualized progress and set realistic, achievable goals together. To experience a recovery journey where you feel comfortable and supported, comprehensive case management can be a crucial part of the solution.
Case Management in Long-Lasting Sobriety
Your case management team can serve as a reliable support system not only during treatment but also for the years following it. Case managers can help with relapse prevention planning and ensure you have the support network in place to achieve long-lasting sobriety. If relapse is a part of your recovery journey, your case manager can help you recreate a recovery plan and help get you back on the right path. By providing a direct connection to resources, such as job placement, you can transition smoothly back into a life of stability and purpose. The benefits of case management are vast, but the most important is providing an individualistic approach to serve your needs.
Case management is a collaborative and coordinated effort of professionals that work to provide healthcare solutions for your individual needs. Under the leadership of a case manager, all aspects of your care are considered. Doctors, specialized therapists, and treatment organizations can have a single point of contact who advocates for what’s best for you. In addition, case managers will provide you with essential life skills, create treatment schedules and recovery plans, and provide long-term support. We utilize case management at West Coast Recovery Centers because it personalizes client care and has a proven track record of success. We prioritize your individual needs throughout your recovery journey through the help of a case management team. Your case management team will provide you with the skills and resources you need during your treatment. For more information on case management or the resources we offer, please give us a call at (760) 492-6509.