When a person is in drug rehab or working a treatment program, the case manager will oversee various aspects of the individual’s case. They make sure that all tasks are assigned accordingly to ensure success for each case they work on. The case manager will complete paperwork and be involved in obtaining any services needed by their treatment facility of choice.

We’re your advocates and allies. We’re your case managers.  Whether you’re looking for case management, case manager jobs, case manager career, case manager hiring process, case method case management, or case management certification — we’ve got you covered!

Addiction is a chronic but treatable disease that requires many elements for successful recovery outcomes. Effective case management is one of those elements, through the continuum of care for addiction recovery. You might feel relieved knowing that there’s someone trained to provide you with the tools to heal.

Seeking addiction treatment can feel like climbing a mountain of obstacles just to feel normal again. Substance abuse case managers are there to remove obstacles from your path.  You have enough to deal with in addiction recovery so case managers are there to help by making the process more manageable.

Each client works with a dedicated case manager who serves as their primary point of contact and makes sure their recovery is on track. The client/case manager relationship is significant, empowering one, as the two will work together to plan for the next steps upon completion of detox.

Case managers can direct you towards the following resources:

• Addiction treatment
• Therapists
• Hospitals
• Pharmacies
• Sober living facilities
• Coaches, doctors, managers
• Service providers
• Court systems

The path toward lasting recovery is different for everyone, and we don’t expect our clients to do it on their own. We provide a blueprint that serves as a comprehensive guide to recovery, comprising precisely what a client needs to do to achieve and maintain sobriety.

Case management models have evolved over time to provide more flexibility to patients. By using case management models, therapists are able to track the next steps upon completion of detox and follow up on whether or not it has been completed.

The Brokerage Model Case Management Model

The case management model used by most case managers in addiction is the brokerage case management model. The brokerage case management model was developed in the 1970s. This model is used when case managers act as brokers, matching patients with services. 

This can be defined as the most brief case management model, with a focus on evaluating needs through referrals and supervising ongoing treatment. Although, the caseworker won’t be as involved in this model and would not be as suited for complex cases.

Case managers typically work with patients to help them find the best treatment for their needs. The case manager aids in coordinating care, helping patients navigate barriers, and checking on whether or not the patient has adhered to their plan of care.

The Clinical Case Management Model

This case management model is similar to the brokerage model case management but includes more therapeutic services.  Substance abuse case managers within this model can take on more responsibilities to bridge the gap in treatment.

The case manager would help find and arrange treatment, but also be more involved in the day-to-day case management. This case management model is suited for those who need a case manager to provide ongoing care and coordination of services.

This case management model places emphasis on building relationships with the patient by offering crisis intervention, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation. The client is encouraged to engage with their support system.

The Strength-based Clinical Case Management Model

The Strength-based Clinical Case management model evaluates the patient’s strengths to determine a specialized plan. Since the patient’s goals and personal needs are the priority, it has shown great effectiveness. This can boost the confidence of the patient through a consistent foundation.

Community and family involvement play a factor in this approach. A patient’s individualized growth is carried through the strategy laid out by the case manager. The substance abuse case manager and the patient meet for between one and four hours a week.

The case manager remains in charge of case management tasks such as:

• Identifying strengths and identifying problems
• Educating family members
• Opening communication with the agency
• Arranging transportation
• Listing available community resources

The Intensive Care Management Model

The Intensive Care Management Model is crafted to provide high-quality care within a short period. Intensive Care Management offers 24/7 support for the most expedited results. Those with severe mental health cases may be suited for this model, which embodies aspects of the Brokerage Case Model.

This model is used in situations where it is believed that case management can solve the problem within a short period of time and with minimal case management efforts (e.g., less than ten hours per week). The caseworker will often accompany the patient to appointments and sessions, determining the progress of their case.

The case manager’s main priority will be to confront the client in order to motivate them to attend necessary sessions. The caseworker needs a background in addiction counseling and knowledge of case management techniques that help elicit motivation from clients. The caseworker may also need a strong rapport with the case’s counselor if working in harmony with their treatment.