Leaving an inpatient behavioral health facility can be a daunting thing. When you need help, it’s comforting to know that you’re away from your daily routine and supported by your mental health professionals. However, your treatment will end, and you’ll have to complete your inpatient recovery program.
If you’re unsure how to maintain your recovery path after leaving the facility, the continuum of care model can help. This allows continued professional support built into your discharge plan to help you pursue treatment and maintain your recovery goals.
What is the Continuum of Care for Mental Health?
Continuum of care is not a new concept in mental healthcare. It refers to services that provide mental health support following a treatment plan. Examples include addiction treatment services from detox to aftercare or mental health treatment services.
In other words, it’s a way to describe a bundle of care options that follow an individual through time, adapting to their changing needs, whether this is through residential treatment programs, services such as group support, or therapy.
Why Should Someone Receive Continuum of Care?
Getting continuum of care provides you with thorough mental health care after your inpatient treatment experience. People have access to a wide range of different types of therapy for their recovery journey, including:
- Dialectical behavior therapy or DBT
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Peer support groups
- Family therapy
- Medication management
- Comprehensive discharge and aftercare planning
Professional and experienced staff can help people with various mental health diagnoses, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, panic attacks, mood disorders, phobias, affective disorders, grief and loss, and psychiatric disturbances.
Completing treatment at an inpatient mental health facility can get someone starting in the right direction, but a continuum of care can help support them through the challenges they may face after leaving the facility.
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