WORKSHEET: IDENTIFYING WHEN A HIGHER LEVEL OF CARE IS NEEDED
Purpose:
This worksheet is designed to help you, as a therapy client, understand when it might be necessary to consider a higher level of care, such as hospitalization or residential treatment. Recognizing these signs early can help ensure you get the appropriate support and intervention you need.
1. UNDERSTANDING HIGHER LEVELS OF CARE
• Outpatient Therapy: Regular therapy sessions (like the ones you are currently attending) where you live at home and attend scheduled appointments.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): More frequent therapy sessions, often involving group therapy, where you still live at home but spend several hours a day in treatment.
• Residential Treatment: A live-in treatment facility where you receive 24/7 care, including therapy, medication management, and support.
• Hospitalization: Short-term, intensive care in a hospital setting, often used for immediate safety and stabilization in a crisis.
2.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
Below are some common signs that indicate a higher level of care may be necessary. Reflect on your recent experiences and feelings to determine if any of these apply to you.
A. Safety Concerns
• Frequent thoughts of self - harm or suicide : Do you find yourself thinking about self-harm or suicide more often, or have you made a plan?
• Increased risk - taking behavior: Have you engaged in behaviors that are more risky or dangerous than usual?
• Feeling out of control: Do you feel that you can’t control your thoughts, emotions, or actions?
B. Significant Decline in Functioning
• Daily activities: Are you struggling to complete everyday tasks, such as getting out of bed, showering, or eating?
• Social withdrawal: Have you been avoiding friends, family, or other social interactions more than usual?
• Work/School performance: Have you noticed a significant drop in your ability to perform at work or school?
C. Escalation of Symptoms
• Increased anxiety or panic attacks: Have your anxiety levels increased, or have you been experiencing more panic attacks?
• Severe mood swings: Are you experiencing intense and rapid mood changes?
• Substance use: Have you increased your use of alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with your emotions?
D. Lack of Progress in Outpatient Therapy
• Feeling stuck: Do you feel like you’re not making progress in therapy, even after several sessions?
• Worsening symptoms: Despite therapy, have your symptoms continued to get worse?
• Inability to manage daily life: Do you feel unable to manage daily life, even with the support of therapy?
3. REFLECTING ON YOUR EXPERIENCE
Take a few minutes to reflect on the signs above. Write down any specific examples or situations where you have experienced these signs.
• Example 1:
• Example 2:
• Example 3:
4. DISCUSSING NEXT STEPS WITH YOUR THERAPIST
If you have identified any of the signs listed above, it may be time to have a conversation with your therapist about whether a higher level of care is needed. Here are some questions you can discuss:
• Based on my recent experiences, do you think I might benefit from a higher level of care?
• What are the options for higher levels of care that might suit my needs?
• How would transitioning to a higher level of care work, and what can I expect?
5. ACTION PLAN
If you and your therapist determine that a higher level of care is appropriate, create an action plan together.
• Identify the type of care needed: (e.g., Residential treatment, Hospitalization, IOP)
• Set a timeline for the transition:
• Discuss logistical details: (e.g., insurance, location, etc.)
• Plan for follow-up: How will you continue care after the higher level of care is no longer needed?
6. ADDITIONAL NOTES
Use this space to write down any additional thoughts, concerns, or questions you may have about transitioning to a higher level of care.
REMEMBER: Needing a higher level of care is not a failure. It’s a sign that you are taking your mental health seriously and getting the support you need to heal and recover.
Worksheet completed on:
Client's Name:
Therapist's Name:
This worksheet is a tool to guide you in recognizing when it might be necessary to consider a higher level of care. If you have any concerns or questions, please discuss them with your therapist.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IOP :
• Research Psych (Downtown KC)- 816-444-8161
• AdventHealth Shawnee Mission has Mental Health IOP and also a Dual Dx IOP. Day and evening programs available. Call the BH Assessment Center @ 913789-3218
• Signature Psychiatric Hospital (North Kansas City)
• The Anxiety Center @ Renew
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL :
• Discovery Behavioral Health (Shawnee)
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HOSPITALIZATION :
• Signature Psychiatric Hospital (North Kansas City)
• Your Nearest Emergency Room
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH :
• ReDiscover