A case manager is an advocate who works with clients dealing with complex issues, such as mental illness or substance use. Recovering from these disorders can feel like a full-time job, as you’re responsible for navigating appointments, collaborating with your care team and maintaining a healthy schedule.
Fortunately, you do not have to do this alone. Case managers provide a wide range of services to support your journey and make recovery easier. Spearhead Health’s case managers are the cornerstone of our organization. We highly recommend utilizing these services when recovering from a mental health or substance use disorder.
Here are five ways that a case manager can help you with the treatment process.
Schedule and Attend Appointments
When you’re new to recovery, you’ll have a lot of appointments to attend. Between doctors’ visits, therapy sessions and other checkups, it can be hard to keep track of everything! But, it’s extremely important that you’re attending all of your scheduled appointments, as this will keep you on track with your recovery.
Case management services ease the burden by making sure that you’re scheduling and going to all of your routine care appointments. They can even help you understand the treatments you’re receiving, resulting in better outcomes and overall care.
Manage Medications
Another thing that case managers can help with is medication. You may be on various medications to support your recovery, such as anti-anxiety meds and antidepressants. Your case manager will make sure that you are taking all of your prescribed medications on time and according to the directions.
By taking your medications correctly, you’re getting what you need to stay healthy, while also avoiding the risk of abuse or misuse. Some medications can cause side effects if you miss just one dose, so it’s important that you have someone looking out for your medication schedule.
Serve as a Liaison Between Family and Care Team
Case managers are advocates for your recovery, so they do an excellent job of communicating with your family and any outside treatment professionals and medical providers. This takes the burden off you and allows you to focus on your recovery.
If, by chance, someone on your treatment team or in your family feels that you could benefit from something more, they can discuss this with your case manager. Case management services support individuals in all stages of their journey and are familiar with what you need to keep moving forward.
Help with Healthcare Costs
Paying for ongoing treatment costs is a challenge for most people. Even with health insurance, healthcare is not cheap. But a case manager can make sure that you are getting the most for your money, while also taking advantage of your full benefits.
You can work with your case manager to evaluate the best options to meet your mental, physical and emotional needs. They will let you know of providers and services in your area that accept your insurance and are capable of meeting your needs. Case management services can also help you find financial assistance if insurance coverage is ever lost.
Introduce You to Community Resources
Most communities offer a wide range of resources for people in need. The challenge is finding them and knowing how to take advantage of them. Thankfully, case management services will identify resources in your community so that you can utilize them. This includes peer support groups like AA and NA.
Not only are community resources beneficial to your recovery, but also many of them are low-cost or free. If you are struggling to pay for your healthcare costs, these support groups can fill in the gaps and provide you with the support you need without having to pay more.
Spearhead Health offers case management services to those in need. You can focus on healing while we take care of the rest. To learn more about hiring a private case manager for yourself or a loved one, contact our team today.