Treatment is effective. And the longer someone remains in treatment, the greater their chances of ongoing abstinence and recovery. That’s why First Step Recovery emphasizes the importance of offering a continuum of care, a menu of services with varying intensity through which clients progress along their recovery journey.
What is a “continuum of care”?
A continuum of care is a treatment plan or “roadmap”—tailored to each individual client—that can include a variety of services based on unique needs. The client’s level of care (ranging from high to low intensity) falls along the “continuum.” For people with mild substance use disorders, outpatient counseling services (individual and/or group) may be sufficient whereas detox or residential treatment may be necessary for people with a severe substance use disorder.
How does a treatment team determine which services are necessary for each client?
Assessing all aspects of the individual is necessary to determine level of care placement. A detailed assessment includes input from the client as well as a clinician’s appraisal based on diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
What treatment services are part of First Step Recovery’s continuum of care?
First Step Recovery offers a continuum of care including:
- Detoxification to help rid the body of mood-altering substances
- Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient, appropriate for clients who have medical and/or emotional problems that require a higher level of care, but who do not require detoxification
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a supportive living environment in conjunction with daily group, individual and case management treatment services
- Intensive Outpatient Program that incorporates counseling, 12-step groups, peer support services, relapse prevention and case management
- Extended Care Phase II that bridges the gap between treatment and independent living
- Aftercare—including counseling, case management and peer support services—that focuses on recovery maintenance
More than 25 million individuals with a previous substance use disorder are in remission and living healthy, productive lives. The key is to stay engaged in the process. Recovering people need accountability and support.
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Author: Amy Glinn, MSW, LISW, LICDC-CS, is the Clinical Director at First Step Recovery. Amy’s personal experience with chemical dependency treatment and recovery, coupled with her education and training in various treatment modalities, enable her to continuously develop specialized programming that leads to successful patient outcomes.
Learn more about First Step Recovery’s continuum of care, or contact us today!
