Case management in addiction treatment is practical help with the things outside therapy that can get in the way of recovery, such as insurance, housing, paperwork, court dates or aftercare. At Lotus Recovery Treatment Center, a case manager handles these needs with you during treatment and after it.
What Is Case Management?
Case management takes the outside pressure off so you can focus on getting better. Your case manager helps with the practical side of life during treatment, such as:
- Insurance questions or authorizations
- Work or school leave paperwork
- Legal or court requirements
- Finding stable housing, including sober supportive housing
- Setting up aftercare before you finish
At the start of treatment, you and your case manager build a case plan. It lists the outside issues that could get in the way of recovery, such as housing, insurance, food assistance, disability benefits or employment, and the steps to handle each one. Your case manager oversees the plan, so these needs are handled while you focus on treatment.
How Your Case Manager Supports Recovery
When you receive treatment services at Lotus Recovery Treatment Center, you don’t have to worry about finding your own case manager. We will match you with the best case manager based on your needs and your personality. You can view your case manager as an advocate for your recovery.
Since your case manager will be helping you overcome barriers, it’s important for you to feel comfortable with them. This will make it easier to be open and honest about your needs, allowing them to support you in the best ways possible.
For instance, if you don’t have a safe and stable place to live, this is nothing to be embarrassed about. Many people who are seeking recovery are in a similar boat, and your case manager will help you find temporary housing until you’re back on your feet.
Here are some of the ways that your case manager can support your recovery:
- Assess your needs, goals and challenges for recovery
- Arrange and negotiate resources, such as healthcare benefits and food stamps
- Assist in finding relevant work or apply for unemployment/disability
- Find safe, stable housing, such as a shelter or sober house
- Evaluate your progress and make adjustments when needed
- Referrals for outpatient support groups and 12-step meetings
- Doctor and therapy appointments scheduled
- Help with enrolling in school or signing up for classes
How the Case Management Process Works
Case management follows the five core functions described by SAMHSA:
- Assessment: your case manager learns about your health, living situation, finances, legal issues, work and support system.
- Planning: together you set priorities and write your case plan.
- Linkage: your case manager connects you with services, such as benefits offices, housing programs, medical providers or support groups, and helps with the forms and calls.
- Monitoring: you check in regularly to see what is working and update the plan when something changes.
- Advocacy: when a service is hard to reach, your case manager speaks up for you, for example with an insurer, employer or court.
Who Benefits From Case Management
Anyone in treatment can use case management, but it makes the biggest difference when life outside treatment feels unsettled. It is especially helpful if you:
- Do not have stable or sober housing
- Have lost insurance or need help applying for benefits such as food assistance or disability
- Have court dates, probation or other legal requirements
- Need leave paperwork for work or school
- Are managing both a mental health condition and substance use, through our dual diagnosis treatment
- Are a parent or caregiver balancing treatment with family needs
Benefits of Case Management in Recovery
Practical problems are a common reason people leave treatment early. A missed rent payment, a lapsed insurance plan or a court date can pull attention away from recovery. Case management deals with these problems before they turn into a crisis.
Research on case management links it to better connection with services and longer retention in treatment. Staying in treatment long enough matters, because the skills you build in therapy need time to hold up in daily life.
Recovery Case Management After Treatment
Case management for recovery does not stop when your hours drop. As you step down from PHP or IOP, your case manager helps line up ongoing therapy, support groups or psychiatric care, so nothing drops off once your hours shrink.
Call (805) 856-6690 to learn more. Admissions is open 24/7, and most insurance is accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is case management in addiction?
It is practical support that connects you with the services you need, such as insurance, housing, legal help or aftercare, while you are in treatment.
What does a case manager do in rehab?
A case manager handles the practical side of treatment, such as insurance, paperwork, housing, legal requirements and appointments, and plans your aftercare with you.
How is case management different from therapy?
Therapy works on thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Case management deals with outside needs like work, housing and benefits, so they do not pull you away from treatment.
Is case management included in treatment at Lotus Recovery?
Yes. Every client in our programs is matched with a case manager based on their needs and personality, so you do not need to find one on your own.
Can a case manager help me find sober living?
Yes. Your case manager can help you find safe, stable housing, including sober living homes, shelters or temporary housing while you get back on your feet.
What is a case plan?
A written plan you build with your case manager. It lists outside needs such as housing, insurance or employment, and the steps to address each one during treatment.