Everyone’s experience with mental health is different and unique. The journey of recovery is personal and individual, so the treatment that someone receives should be personalized. This is why professionals create mental health treatment plans before treating patients.
What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A mental health treatment plan is a plan, usually a written document, that outlines the proposed goals and therapy methods for the patient. It can be a highly structured and formal or a loose outline, depending on the needs and preferences of the patient. For example, some insurance companies require documentation of a diagnosis and treatment plan in order to cover the cost of therapies. In this case, a treatment plan may have to follow certain standards and include specific details. Therapists and treatment providers may also have preferences on what type of plan is most effective. They may also consider the severity of the diagnosis or the individual’s mental health history. However the plan is structured, it is always subject to change throughout the treatment process. Making adjustments to the plan to suit the patients’ needs is an important part of the treatment process.
Typically, a treatment plan will contain the following elements that help to guide the treatment provider and the patient along the recovery process:
Presenting problem: A description of the main issue that the patient would like to solve. This can be a diagnosis of a mental disorder, or can include specific problems the patient is experiencing.
Goals: Perhaps the most important part of the plan is a list of the short-term and long-term goals that the patient wants to achieve with treatment.
Methods: An outline of the treatment methods and therapies that will be used to achieve the goals. This can include a time estimate of the length of therapy or number of treatment sessions that are expected to be needed.
Regardless of the specifics of the plan, the patient should always be involved in its creation, development, and adjustment. Initially, the treatment provider should speak with the patient to get to know them and fully understand their concerns. They should work together to identify the goals the patient wants to reach, and the provider should review the finalized plan with the patient to make sure they’re comfortable. A copy of the plan should always be available to patients upon request.
Why Treatment Plans Are Important
Creating a plan before beginning mental health treatment is essential for a number of reasons. In some cases, it might even be required for insurance purposes. Otherwise, treatment plans help patients recover in a way that best fits their needs.
Rather than giving all patients the same cookie-cutter treatment, individualized plans help address the specific needs of each patient. They take into account past experiences, personal feelings, support networks, and family dynamics. They also make treatment more transparent to the patient to ensure that they’re comfortable throughout the entire treatment process. Establishing clear goals and methods that can be changed at any time makes it easier for patients to be aware of their progress and continuously see what aspects of treatment are working for them.
This is why we always develop personalized treatment plans with our patients at Bespoke Treatment. We know that every patient is different. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
