Transition and aftercare planningis an important element of care.  Aftercare plans are individualized based on needs, concerns, and lifestyle.  Aftercare planningbegins at the start of treatment and is updated during the course of the treatment to ensure that the individual needs of the client are being considered throughout the time the client is receiving services. The client may still be in need of self-help groups, relapse prevention groups, continued individual counseling, (especially important for clients who will continue to require medication), as well as case management and support. A carefully developed discharge plan, produced in collaboration with the client, will identify and match client needs with community resources, providing the support needed to sustain the progress achieved during treatment.

The benefits oftransition and aftercare planningfor clients with mental health issues are:

• Maintaining stability and coping during a time of change
• Linking clients to appropriate next step resources based on their needs
• Minimizing the likelihood that the client will relapse or have to return to placement
• Assisting clients with re-entry to family and community
• Sustaining gains achieved during the course of treatment

The client’s long-term success is the ultimate goal of treatment. Transition and aftercare services allow for the greatest likelihood that long-term success will be achieved.