If you have been, or are considering therapy, you may have heard of “treatment planning”. But what exactly is it? Treatment planning is a central part of the therapeutic process of recovery from addictions. This is a responsibility of the clinical staff in treatment centers or other healthcare providers offering related services. Read on to learn more about what goes into treatment planning.
What A Good Treatment Plan for SUD Looks Like?
There are many approaches to treatment planning. It’s the next step following a thorough psychosocial assessment of the client to determine their needs, if they are appropriate for treatment and if so, what kinds.
In general, a treatment plan is a map identifying where clients are in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD), where they need to be and how they can best use available resources to get there.
Client involvement in developing the plan is key. It is a shared understanding between the client and treatment provider leveraging the client’s strengths. Clients learn what is expected of them in program commitments and attendance [A].
Goals of a Treatment Plan for SUD
There are four main goals of a treatment plan for SUD:
- Shared Agreement: The planning process creates a shared agreement of the path forward together with the client. It provides structure but enables flexibility to be updated as needs change or the therapy priorities progress and change. With this level of engagement, clients feel heard and understood and motivation remains high.
- Measurable Goals: By defining such goals both the therapist and client can track progress through the therapy.
- Clinical Approaches: Based on the assessment, the therapist can work with the client to define and agree on the clinical approaches to employ in the therapy work.
- Insurance Compliance: Check the requirements from the insurance provider to ensure your plan meets their requirements, especially for medical necessity of the therapy.
Essential Parts of an SUD Treatment Plan
There are a variety of ways to create a treatment plan. Here are some best practices for what should be included (and there are many others):
Client Goals
Working with the client, the plan defines a set of shared goals for the therapy. Examples include:
- Increase client’s knowledge of what therapy is
- Increase client’s knowledge of addictions and mental health
- Increase client’s understanding of how therapy works
- Develop coping and emotion regulation skills
- Develop social support network
- Create a relapse prevention plan
Client Objectives
The client will:
- Abstain from substances
- Name consequences of their addiction
- Identify triggers and warning signs
- Develop a plan for dealing with cravings
Assessment Review
The therapist will review the following with the client:
- Psychosocial History: Family background, social interactions, lifestyle
- Symptom history: When did they first appear?
- Diagnoses: From intake assessment, review current and past mental health diagnoses
- History of Treatment: Past treatments and outcomes
- Other Assessment Information: Relevant background
Presenting Concerns
- Current mental health issues
- Other concerns about the presenting issues
Strengths
- Summarize client’s current strengths in their own words
- How these can be helpful in treatment
Therapist Interventions
Identifies the techniques and interventions the therapist will use to support reaching the goals.
- Techniques: Methods and strategies
- Implementation: How they will be applied
Therapeutic Approaches
The specific therapies that will be used. Examples include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Attachment, Regulation and Competency Therapy (ARC)
- Process Groups
- Family Therapy
Progress and Outcomes
Documenting the client’s progress is key, including:
- Progress Notes: Tracking achievements and setbacks
- Outcomes: Results of the treatment
Contract
- Signed agreement of the plan indicating consent
Aftercare Plans: A Blueprint for Long-lasting Recovery
Aftercare is a critical part of the recovery journey. Aftercare may vary in length from six months to a year, depending on the individual. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential” [B].
SAMHSA states that “a successful aftercare plan supports ongoing recovery by using evidence-based practices and a range of services designed to maintain motivation and momentum as one moves forward in sobriety”.
It’s critical to have an aftercare plan to prevent relapse and to achieve sobriety goals. Each person’s aftercare plan will be unique to them and co-developed with them. The main objectives are to:
- Learn how to identify triggers and combat cravings
- Have a relapse support plan ready
- Identify life goals and timeline for achieving them
- Share with peers about feelings, struggles and strengths in recovery
- Find appropriate housing if needed. This may include a sober living community
- Provide links to community resources, including 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and secular groups like SMART Recovery.
Alumni aftercare is typically an extended form of aftercare with regular meetings. Participation in this significantly helps prevent relapse as clients feel supported with others going through a similar process, as well as with counselors.
Long Lasting Recovery in Los Angeles
Choosing treatment is a brave thing to do. Effective treatment programs typically incorporate many components, with each targeted to a different aspect of the illness and its consequences. There are a variety of evidence-based approaches to treating addiction. The specific treatment or combinations depend on the person’s needs and on a medical and therapeutic assessment.
At The Encino Recovery & Detox Center we offer our relational model of care in a safe space. It was designed to re-introduce men and women to themselves, in a more loving way, free from the negative effects of addiction and addictive behaviors that have led to unwanted consequences and loss.
The therapeutic relationships at The Encino Recovery & Detox Center promote ideas, creativity, connection, and long-term sobriety. These valuable relationships will help you or your loved ones find freedom from the long-term isolating effects of addiction. The mental health component consists of a team of licensed clinicians who run special therapeutic groups to meet the individual needs of each client.
We offer trauma recovery and the following evidenced based therapies:
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Aggression Replacement Training (ART)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Somatic Experiencing and Body Work
- 12-Step Program
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Exposure therapy
- Group experiences
Safe Recovery in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team at The Encino now.
At the Encino Recovery & Detox Center in Los Angeles we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life. All in a safe space.
We provide medically supervised detox. After detoxing, you may enter our residential treatment center. Trained staff are equipped to offer clinical care. They will provide the support, guidance and interventions necessary for you to reach your treatment goals. Participating in residential care greatly enhances your success rate at avoiding relapses.
Sources
[A] Substance Abuse Treatment: For Adults in the Criminal Justice System [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2005. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 44.) 4 Substance Abuse Treatment Planning.
[B] SAMHSA. 2023. Recovery Support Tools and Resources.
Blueprint for Recovery: The Essentials of a Substance Use Disorder Treatment Plan. J. Flowers Health Institute.
Treatment Plan: What It Is, Examples & How to Write One. Mentalyc.com
Sample Treatment Plan for SUD. MindRemake Project.org
