Some individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health issues require a higher level of care to address their unique situation and needs. Studies have shown that “[a]t the point of referral, there is both an opportunity to address a client’s unmet needs and a potential danger of losing the client.” Keeping the client engaged in treatment is essential to ensuring their recovery. The dedicated experts at Driftwood Recovery offer referrals to higher levels of care for individuals who need additional support to achieve and maintain sobriety or positive mental health.
Why Do Some Clients Require a Higher Level of Care?
Clients may have medical or behavioral issues impacting their ability to participate in lower levels of care. For example, some individuals with severe and persistent depression may require residential care to ensure they receive the best support and treatment for their condition. Individuals struggling with active eating disorders, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and severe withdrawal from alcohol or drugs may benefit from 24/7 access to medical supervision and more comprehensive support services.
Some of the most common reasons clients receive referrals for higher levels of care include:
- A complex diagnosis
- Severe symptoms
- Rare side effects
- High risk of relapse
- Medical complications
- A need for specialized therapies
- Lack of a support system
- High-risk or self-destructive behaviors
- Significant behavioral issues
- Resistance to treatment
Some clients may have difficulty trusting healthcare providers and staff members due to past negative treatment experiences. Higher levels of care provide clients with one-on-one services and detailed follow-ups with clinicians.
The Role of Assessments in Determining Care
Assessments help clinicians determine the level of care clients need to experience the best outcomes. Client interviews, assessments, and other screening tools provide healthcare workers with a comprehensive understanding of each client’s needs. Experts at Driftwood Recovery use assessments to tailor client treatment plans by evaluating risk factors, symptoms, side effects, and underlying issues impacting client mental health. Clinicians benefit from frequently assessing clients throughout treatment, allowing them to adjust the care plan to address new concerns or changes in client symptoms.
Client Safety in Treatment Planning
The safety of clients and staff members is the highest priority during treatment planning. If clinicians believe clients may become a danger to themselves or others, they will suggest more appropriate forms of treatment. Collaboration between clients and clinicians ensures people in treatment feel heard, understood, and supported.
Some of the ways healthcare professionals help clients remain safe and comfortable during treatment include:
- Conducting comprehensive risk assessments during the initial interview and regularly throughout treatment
- Personalizing treatment and aftercare plans
- Communicating expectations to clients and their families
- Obtaining informed consent for every service and stage of treatment
- Creating a secure and nurturing environment
- Conducting regular safety and progress reviews to determine if client needs are being met
The experts at Driftwood Recovery work closely with clients to ensure they feel comfortable and engaged in treatment. If clients do not meet their recovery goals or begin to experience more severe symptoms, clinicians may refer them to a higher level of care.
When to Refer Clients to a Higher Level of Care
Healthcare professionals must ensure clients do not interfere with the recovery of peers in treatment. Individuals who require higher levels of care may need additional clinician support, taking time and focus away from other clients. If clients present a danger to themselves and others or a barrier to treatment for themselves and others, healthcare professionals may provide referrals to more appropriate community-based or private programs.
Staff members at Driftwood Recovery refer clients to other treatment options if they notice the following:
- Consistently escalating symptoms
- Medical instability
- A high risk for suicide or self-harm
- Nonresponsiveness to the current treatment
- Inability to maintain sobriety
- Motivation issues or low engagement
- Aggressive, violent, or disruptive behaviors
Care teams must collaborate to ensure consistent client care. Referring clients to another program or service should involve discussions between every care team member to ensure all factors are considered. Communication between healthcare workers, individuals in recovery, and client families ensures the care team has all the information they need to provide an appropriate referral.
Why Driftwood Recovery Refers Some Clients to a Higher Level of Care
Every client should have access to relevant and appropriate services. Driftwood Recovery may not have the best resources for everyone who struggles with substance abuse or mental health issues. The dedicated care team at Driftwood Recovery only refers clients to other programs that provide high-quality care and comprehensive services. Potential clients are always welcome to return to Driftwood Recovery after they learn to manage their symptoms. Staff members refer clients to higher levels of care only when other services result in better treatment outcomes.
Individuals in treatment for substance use disorder may benefit from being referred to higher levels of care until they feel comfortable returning to Driftwood Recovery as part of a continuum of care. Often, clients who need to be referred to more comprehensive programs transition back to treatment at the original facility once they establish a support system and practical coping tools. However, some individuals may require additional care for a prolonged period. For example, people struggling with active suicidal ideation or eating disorders may need to spend longer in residential treatment programs. Experts and support staff provide essential resources and referrals to higher levels of care when appropriate. To learn more about Driftwood Recovery, call us today at (512) 759-8330.