Choosing a mental health rehab facility for your loved one is a major decision. When you’re responsible for someone’s healing journey, it can be difficult to know what to look for.
However, there are several things family members should know about treatment options for mental health rehabilitation. Learn about treatment types, choosing and reviewing facilities, and the important role family members play in long-term healing.
An Accurate Diagnosis and Assessment are Key
An accurate diagnosis of an individual’s mental health is critical to developing a comprehensive and effective treatment plan. Your loved one's current care team may send information to potential facilities. However, facilities should include their own assessment as part of the admissions process.
While it’s not that the current diagnosis is wrong, individual assessments represent due diligence on behalf of the facility. This also allows mental health rehab Utah facilities to have consistent admissions processes and data. This information will help inform them of the appropriate treatment options and whether their team is a good match.
Flexibility of Care Maximizes Effectiveness
Once you’ve confirmed the diagnostic needs and capabilities of the facility, focus on flexibility. Many mental health issues are co-occurring, even with substance use disorders. Find out the range of care offered at facilities to understand how flexible their treatment options are.
When dual diagnosis treatment Utah is administered concurrently, outcomes can improve. Plus, individuals in rehab can enjoy a more streamlined process, which can encourage them to participate fully.
Staff Ratio and Philosophy Matters
Safety in any medical setting is paramount and this rule is no different in mental health rehab. Ensure a baseline staff ratio for the facilities’ size and treatment types. More severe mental health concerns may require higher staff ratios and medical care teams to effectively support patients.
Staff philosophy, and clinical approach matter, too. Evidence-based practices are the gold standard in mental healthcare, so look closely at each treatment approach.
Staff accreditations and facility accreditations can help confirm peer review and assessments. When facilities site accreditation for their team or program, do your due diligence and check with the accrediting body.
Practicality Plays a Role
Treatment cost, length of treatment plans, treatment type, and the location of facilities all matter. It’s OK to rule out options that are outside of what will work for your family and budget. However, if certain aspects are solvable, like cost, communicate these concerns with the facility. There may be programs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses that connect your loved one with the best care for their needs.
Ask About the Continuum of Care and Milestones
Similar to understanding treatment types is understanding the continuum of care. Facilities should provide a baseline care plan that takes you through what your loved one may experience upon admission.
There may be a period of detox before beginning treatment. Ask for a few examples and what milestones individuals would need to make before moving to the next step. Good providers will be able to define a clear pathway and smooth transitions between each step.
Find out what level of collaboration they may have with your loved ones’ current medical care team. Coordination and collaboration can provide a more consistent process for everyone.
Outcomes, Statistics, and Escalated Care
Quality facilities should be able to provide information about their therapeutic outcomes. While they won’t be able to provide step-by-step specifics for patient data protection, case studies are fair game.
Ask how they measure success and stay connected to patients outside of program timelines. If they don’t have any data or statistics, there may be a warning sign. The existence of long-term support and effectiveness may be in question.
Find out about the frequency of readmissions, satisfaction feedback from patients and families, and their follow-up process for alumni. Ask how they identify the need for escalated care and what options exist if higher-level support needs are identified.
Family Engagement and Education Alongside Treatment Supports Healing
As a family member, you’ve been along the journey of mental health with your loved one. When you make the step to pursue support in a mental health rehab facility, you deserve care too.
In many cases, individuals are in rehab and do not have contact with friends or family. This is meant to allow patients to focus on healing, but it can also spark feelings of loneliness and worry. Find out how their care plan involves family members and what support they provide those who support the patient.
Positive signs include regular family engagement, updates as well as education about treatment, modalities, and life after rehab. The better equipped your loved ones’ support system is, the better healing outcomes they can achieve.
Advocate for Quality, Comprehensive, and Effective Treatment
You want the best for your loved one — that’s why you’re involved in this process. Be their voice and interview rehabilitation centers thoroughly. Ask questions and take consistent notes to ensure you’re getting a clear picture of each option.
Pay attention to your gut and watch for red flags that could negatively impact your loved ones' healing process. Engage with your chosen facility’s family support program to stay connected to care plans. In doing so, you’ll support your loved one as they focus on their mental health.
