A case manager is an invaluable member of a client’s care team. He or she advocates for their client’s needs and keeps their team of medical professionals and family members in the loop by creating and implementing a personalized care plan. This is especially important for clients who suffer from mental health conditions. In today’s world, mental health care can be a taboo topic that requires being encouraging and supportive—which are two characteristics of a great case manager.
Understanding Mental Health clients
There are a wide range of mental health conditions that require different therapies and services, so it’s important to have a good understanding of the nuances of each condition.
A case manager’s duties are plentiful and incredibly impactful for their patient. There are certain skills that can make the job easier to perform. A successful case manager is:
Types of Mental Health Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Mood Disorders
Psychotic Disorders
People who have anxiety disorders experience frequent, intense and persistent panic attacks, along with feelings of fear and worry. Mood disorders, on the other hand, may cause a person to feel depressed, manic, hopeless, or some combination of emotions that don’t make sense under their current circumstances, while psychotic disorders lead to a disconnection from reality. Clearly, each type of mental health disorder requires its own unique set of treatments, support, and care. In addition, while two individuals may have the same diagnosed disorder, they may manifest very differently depending on the person. It is important to view each case through the lens of the individual and provide personalized care and support for each client.
Client Demographics and Diversity
It’s also important to take the client’s gender, location, race, and unique identity into consideration while creating a care plan. All of these factors create a unique experience in the world that should be factored into the care plan. A male with an anxiety disorder, for example, may exhibit symptoms and suffer very differently from a female with the same mental health condition.
The Role of Case Managers
A case manager is a cheerleader and advocate for his or her clients. Their job revolves around identifying their client’s needs, informing their care team, and creating a personalized care plan that encourages their client to grow, heal, and thrive. Mental health care requires collaboration between medical professionals, mental health therapists, family members and friends. By keeping the care team informed about the client’s current health and needs, the case manager can ensure that their client is getting the services and support they need to promote holistic healing.
Pre-Engagement Strategies
To effectively care for their clients, case managers must assess their needs and identify ways to meet them. At initial assessment, a case manager may talk to the client, ask questions about their interests and what they want to get from their case manager. Then, the case manager will determine what their client needs. Each client has unique circumstances, and a professional case manager should always carefully consider their cultural background when creating a care plan.
It’s crucial that high-risk factors are identified by a case manager, including a family history of mental illness or substance abuse and stressful life circumstances, to name a few. Over time, a case manager’s goal is to build trust with their client, so they can better understand their needs, provide personalized support, and coordinate the best care for their client. This is a result of asking the right questions, being patient, and truly listening to their client’s needs.
Creating Individualized Care Plans
A case manager uses all of the information they gather about their client to create a customized personal care plan. They tailor strategies to support their clients so they can receive health care services to target their needs and diagnoses. Throughout the planning stages and over the course of treatment, the client’s voice is always a valuable component as the case manager sets goals for success.
Crisis Intervention
Qualified case managers should always be aware of their clients’ triggers and help them to cope when they encounter difficult situations. When a crisis happens, a case manager should be a level headed leader that follows the appropriate emergency response protocols that were covered in their training. A client’s triggers are very personal and unique to their life experience and unique diagnosis.
Coordinating Multidisciplinary Care
A client with a mental health condition may require treatment from a wide range of professionals, including psychiatrists, medical doctors, therapists, and support groups. The case manager is tasked with collaborating with these professionals and keeping them informed about the client’s care plan. That way, the care team has up-to-date information about the client’s mental health status so they can customize their treatment.
Ensuring Continuity of Care
A client who suffers from a mental health condition may spend time in a hospital or other facility. The case manager’s job is to stay informed about the client’s status, plan a smooth transition, and provide support. A client’s treatment plan may change over time, and the case manager needs to be able to document this new information so they can pass it on to the rest of the care team. This allows the care team to ensure that the client gets care no matter where they’re at and how they’re being treated.
Addressing Substance Abuse Issues
Mental health conditions can also occur alongside substance abuse issues. When a dual diagnosis exists, it’s important that case workers take an integrated approach toward treatment. This method works for a variety of co-occurring disorders. When multiple disorders are present, an effective case manager will coordinate care among the medical providers so that everyone remains informed and has a full picture of the client’s needs.
Family and Community Involvement
Mental health challenges can be isolating, and it can be difficult for friends and family to know how to help. A case worker knows how to engage families and build a supportive community for their client that promotes healing, happiness, and wholeness. Together, with the care team, family members and friends, a case manager can build a solid community to advocate for the client and have their best interests at heart.
At PASCO, we’re passionate about helping people live their best lives by building solid support systems composed of family caregivers and friends. To learn more about our company and to see how you can get involved, contact us today.
