How does our case management program work?
You must be referred—but anyone who knows you can send in a referral form.
You must be diagnosed with a serious mental illness, and at risk of homelessness or hospitalization.
- Case management starts with an assessment.
- After the assessment, you will be given the name and phone number of your case manager.
- You call to set up your first appointment.
- The first thing you and your case manager will work on is a plan—an individualized recovery plan identifying:
- The goals you will meet.
- Your strengths and skills—what you’ve got to help you meet goals.
- The steps you will take to meet your goals.
- What your case manager will do to help you.
- You and your case manager will meet regularly to work on your goals, according to your recovery plan.
- Every six months you and your case manager review your progress and adjust your recovery plan.
- You finish up with case management when you have met the goals on your recovery plan.
Case Management = Connecting
Your case manager will help you make connections to:
HOUSING
- Getting into a shelter or crisis bed.
- Applying for housing assistance.
- Finding food, clothing and household goods.
- Trouble shooting your needs.
MENTAL HEALTH CARE
- Understanding your illness and how to handle it.
- Managing your illness so that you can have a good life.
- Working with the professionals you need, such as a psychiatrist or therapist.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
- Connecting to a primary care physician.
- Understanding and following through on your doctor’s advice.
- Getting the medication your doctor or psychiatrist prescribes.
- If you abuse alcohol or other drugs, talking about it.
INCOME SECURITY
- Getting into a supported employment program.
- Helping you find a job.
- Applying for benefits like Social Security and food stamps.
- Helping you learn to manage your money.
SELF-DETERMINATION
- Helping you spend your time on activities that mean a lot to you.
- Continuing your education.
- Reminding you not to give up, and helping you believe in yourself.
- Finding places you might want to volunteer.
SOCIAL SUPPORT
- Finding support groups and building friendships.
- Speaking up for yourself.
- Repairing relationships.
- Helping you access transportation benefits
What can I expect from my case manager?
- Making appointments in advance, and arriving pretty much on time.
- Breaking down big goals into small steps, and then supporting you in taking each step.
- Listening to what you have to say. If you are an adult, treating you like an adult.
- Giving you information and support.
- Returning your calls the next business day. (They get time off on the weekends.)
- Helping you with a ride after an appointment.
- Going to bat for you when needed.
- Keeping good notes that you can see, check and sign.
What will my case manager expect from me
- Keeping your appointments, and being pretty much on time.
- Treating him or her with respect.
- Naming the goals that you really care about.
- Staying in touch and keeping your phone working.
- Working hard to take the steps you need to turn things around.
- Using your strengths and talents to help yourself.
- Asking questions when you don’t understand.
- Giving the case manager’s ideas a chance.
