Case Workers and Mental Health: Referring Clients for Residential or Outpatient Care
Getting support for mental health challenges doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience – it’s normal to struggle with learning who to connect with first and the steps to follow, so you’re not missing out on anything important.
Case workers play a critical role in bridging the gap.
Having an experienced and knowledgeable case worker by your side can be a complete game changer when you’re facing mental health difficulties. Case workers use their expertise to identify client needs and refer them to the appropriate level of mental health care, and other services to support recovery, including housing and financial assistance programs.
But what does that process of dealing with a case worker actually look like? And how do caseworkers know whether the client should be referred to outpatient or residential care?
In this in-depth guide, we will explore:
- What case workers are and what they do
- The case worker’s role in mental health referrals
- Residential vs. outpatient mental health referral process
- Residential and outpatient programs at Mission Connection
- Learning more about case managers and mental health today
What Is a Case Worker?
A case worker, sometimes called a case manager, is one of several types of trained professionals within the social services sector who coordinate support and services for people in need of healthcare and their families or caregivers.¹
Typically, caseworkers, as a first step, identify clients in need of support and determine their eligibility for care. They then:
- Assess client needs and evaluate eligibility for facilities.
- Explore various treatment and service options with their client.
- Develop care plans and set goals collaboratively with the client.
- Plan implementation and connect clients with the appropriate resources.
- Carry out regular meetings and check-ins with providers.
- Plan monitoring throughout all the various stages of the client’s care, including transitioning back to regular life, and discharge.
- Ensure accurate documentation and seamless paperwork filing.
Case workers essentially ensure continuity of care and actively support clients in achieving their recovery goals. They function like a lifeline and anchor for a client’s long-term recovery – providing support for stable housing, financing, employment, child care, food, and social support, among many others, aside from helping them access much-needed treatments.
Understanding Case Worker Roles in Mental Health Care
Aside from assisting with treatment referrals and connecting clients to the appropriate care and service, case workers in mental health care also play critical roles in:²
- Crisis intervention: Sometimes an individual may require emergency interventions, such as when there’s a serious psychiatric episode. In such cases, case workers are able to make emergency referrals and arrange transportation to the appropriate medical care facility.
- Determining the type of care required: Case workers evaluate client needs and accordingly refer them to the services that match them. This includes determining whether outpatient or residential care may be the best option for a client.
- Client advocacy: The case worker’s primary goal is the patient’s best interests. This can take various forms, including negotiating services and speaking on behalf of clients who may be experiencing challenges in receiving services.
- Role-modeling cultural sensitivity and non-stigmatizing behaviors: Aside from modeling such behaviors for the client, case workers may also function as educators when dealing with service providers.
- Practical skill building: Case workers may also play a vital role in teaching clients practical skills that support sustainable recovery as they transition to their regular routines. This can include assertive communication and team collaboration skills to communicate effectively with several service providers.
Case Worker Role in Mental Health Referrals Explained
Case workers deploy a regulated yet systematic and client-centered approach when referring clients for mental health treatment.³ Everything they do is guided and informed by the National Association of Social Workers’ guidelines.
The referral doesn’t constitute a simple handover to another individual or organization, as it can appear on the surface.
Rather, it’s only one of many initiating steps to a complex journey that the client has to undertake. The caseworker continues to coordinate and monitor so that the client successfully engages with the recommended services for positive outcomes.
Steps for Case Managers to Refer Clients for Treatment
A case worker typically follows several key steps for referrals, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the client is matched with the right treatment and service for their needs.
1. Screening and Assessment
Case workers use multiple sources of data including the client’s verbal statements and non-verbal cues, and information received from other relevant members of the client’s circle to evaluate the client’s needs, strengths, and challenges. Sometimes, they may use standardized testing methodologies. They then proceed to formulate goals and identify priorities in collaboration with the client.
Assessment is not a one-time step. Both case managers and clients may revert to assessments as and when required to understand the effectiveness of the plan and to review if and where changes are needed.
Information gathering can center on the client’s history and family background, living arrangements, reasons for seeking the referral, work history, medical history, client desires, and motivating factors, among many others. The idea behind soliciting comprehensive information is to enable caseworkers to find the best match between clients and services.
2. Provider Matching With Financial Planning
Provider matching is a collaborative process where caseworkers identify the providers who have expertise in the client’s specific mental health condition. But it’s not just about expertise. Case workers work with clients to identify care priorities and develop a plan that addresses those needs. They’ll also look at whether the treatment approach fits, location is accessible, and it’s possible financially.
Case workers usually verify insurance coverage for the recommended services and also advise on what the costs of the plan can look like for the client. Case workers can also recommend alternative sources of funding, such as financial assistance programs, if the clients need support in this area.
3. Warm Handoff to Providers
Once a case worker and client have agreed on a plan and resource, the case worker will make the necessary referrals and organize the case documentation and records. The case worker will also facilitate introductions and connections with providers, sometimes even attending the first appointments with clients to seamlessly transition them into the system.
The case worker’s referral process includes collaborating with therapists for client care plans, based on the client’s stated goals and aspirations for their treatment plan.
The case worker continues to manage the client’s case by following up and monitoring how they’re progressing and whether changes or improvements need to be made to the initial plan.
Making the referral is only a part of the many responsibilities a case worker assumes for clients. The journey only ends once the client has finished their treatment and has integrated successfully back into their community and daily routines.
Residential vs. Outpatient Mental Health Referral Process
Case workers take a number of factors into account before determining whether the client could benefit the most from outpatient or residential programs. The treatment options can also vary from individual to individual based on their unique needs.
Complexity of the mental health condition:
Some clients may have one mental health challenge while others may have multiple health challenges which can determine the types of treatments and expertise required. Some health challenges may require ongoing monitoring under hospital care.
Mental health conditions can also vary depending on the severity of the symptoms – how well is the client able to independently manage their life? Do they experience severe functional impairment which makes it difficult for them to manage things on their own?
Some clients with mental health challenges may exhibit risky behaviors, they may have a history of self-harm or harming others, which requires intensive care.
Safety and stability of a client’s living situation:
A case worker will assess whether the client is capable of recovering safely in their current home situation, or whether they are continually being exposed to triggers that may get in the way of recovery.
Client’s level of engagement and adherence:
The caseworker will assess how engaged the client is in terms of initiating and completing their treatment program, whether it’s taking their medications on time or showing up for scheduled appointments and follow-ups.
Previous treatment history:
This can include determining whether the client was able to achieve successful outcomes through outpatient treatments or whether they may need more intensive support this time around.
Need for structured care:
Some clients may need 24-hour support within the confines of a structured healthcare facility to stabilize and gradually start to recover.
Family support:
The case worker evaluates whether the client has adequate supportive structures in place, such as family members or even community resources, to fall back on for ongoing support and encouragement.
Financial considerations:
While also recommending financial assistance programs where there’s a need, a case worker will evaluate a client’s financial resources before determining treatment options.
Individual responsibilities:
Some clients may have responsibilities to their family and their work or have a hectic schedule they need to maintain. Provided they’re able to otherwise manage independently and have minimal impairment, they may prefer the flexibility and convenience of outpatient sessions.
Client’s goals:
Clients may want to meet short-term goals such as reducing or eliminating symptoms or long-term goals such as learning to live a normal routine unaided. Client goals are a crucial factor in choosing appropriate providers.
Client autonomy:
While a caseworker provides options and recommendations, with full transparency into benefits and risks, the client has the autonomy of choice, unless the case worker feels the client’s safety or health can potentially be placed at risk because of their choice.
In any case, a caseworker’s role is to advocate for their client in ensuring they get the best possible treatment for their needs and goals.
Residential and Outpatient Programs at Mission Connection
Whether you’re a client or a caseworker who advocates for one, Mission Connection’s programs deliver high-quality mental health care customized to the unique needs of each and every individual we serve.
Our treatment plans are available at three major locations – California, Virginia, and Washington with the same standards of compassionate care at every location.
Outpatient Services at Mission Connection
Mission Connection offers a number of flexible and convenient yet structured outpatient treatment plans. These are ideal for clients who have work and personal commitments but don’t have serious mental health conditions that require mental health care.
Outpatient services include:
- Individual Therapy: Personalized one-on-one sessions with licensed therapists
- Group Therapy: Structured therapeutic sessions involving groups where clients have the additional benefit of peer support
- Telehealth Services: These are virtual therapy sessions that can be carried out online offering instant accessibility and convenience for clients
The services can help with a wide range of mental health conditions including trauma, depression, anger management, and bipolar disorder, to name just a few. Our trained therapists use evidence-based approaches together with goal-setting and skills training to support long-term and sustainable recovery.
Residential Treatment Services at Mission Connection
Residential treatment services at Mission Connection are offered in our peaceful and welcoming facilities under the expert care of qualified mental health professionals. Aside from round-the-clock care, we ensure that your needs and goals are catered to at every step of the way.
Our aim is to fully hear and acknowledge your story, help you find your reason for being, and learn lifelong skills to help you achieve not just symptom relief but long-term recovery.
Benefits for Caseworkers
As case workers, you’re looking for treatment providers that are qualified, committed, and just as dedicated to the well-being of your clients. Keeping the needs of both caseworkers and clients in mind, we provide:
- A simple and seamless referral process: So you can focus less on paperwork and more on engaging your client.
- Insurance verification assistance: We support several insurance carriers and can offer assistance in coverage verification.
- Comprehensive assessment and treatment planning: We work with case workers and clients one-on-one to ensure they’re receiving personalized assessments and thoughtfully developed care plans that address the client’s needs and goals.
- Recovery-oriented approach: Regular communication with referring case workers about client progress
- Comprehensive Assessment: We do a comprehensive assessment for each client and incorporate your feedback to ensure the client’s concerns and needs are thoroughly addressed and catered to. All treatment plans are personalized and customized to each individual.
Find Out More About Case Managers and Mental Health Today
At Mission Connection, we understand how critical the relationship between case workers, clients, and treatment providers is.
Whether you’re a caseworker or a client looking for supportive and effective mental healthcare, rest assured, we’re there every step of the way.
Take the first step today by contacting Mission Connection via our pre-assessment form for a comprehensive and personalized consultation, or call us directly at 866-721-3361.
At Mission Connection, we’re not just about treating symptoms. Our mission is to connect clients and their caseworkers to hope, healing, and long-lasting recovery.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023, August 14). Case management – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562214/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Comprehensive case management for substance use disorder treatment. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/PEP20-02-02-013.pdf
- National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). NASW standards for social work case management. https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/NASW-Practice-Standards-Guidelines/NASW-Standards-for-Social-Work-Case-Management
