As humans, we are all unique. Although we can be grouped based on defining characteristics, we must remember that we all come from different backgrounds and have diverse life experiences.
When someone receives treatment for their mental health or substance addiction, their individuality must be prioritized. A treatment center should not define a person solely by their symptoms or diagnosis. Instead, all aspects of an individual’s life must be considered before curating an effective treatment plan. This is known as an individualized treatment, which is vital for recovery for several reasons.
What Is Individualized Treatment?
Individualized treatment recognizes that no two clients are the same. Similarly, it emphasizes that no two clients should have identical treatment plans. The road to recovery involves many components, and treatment should mimic that. Individualized treatment emphasizes tailoring it to fit an individual’s specific needs and goals.
Why Is Individualized Treatment Important?
There is not one universal root cause for mental health disorders or substance use disorder (SUD). Instead, these conditions develop from several different risk factors distinctive to an individual’s life. In the same way, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for these conditions. Instead, for treatment to be effective, it must address all underlying causes that led the individual to develop their distressing symptoms.
Individualized treatment is essential because it helps individuals recognize that their problematic behaviors are not a result of moral weakness. Instead, it emphasizes that their condition, as well as their being, is much more complex. Individualized treatment requires clients to address more than just the behavioral aspects of their condition, like its mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
The Development of Individualized Treatment Plans
Individualized treatment plans are developed collaboratively with the client and a therapist, as well as other professionals working on the client’s case. Despite these plans varying between clients, they should all cover several significant challenges.
Some of these plans include, but are not limited to:
Withdrawal Management
This category is specific to SUD as it addresses any withdrawal symptoms that a client may be experiencing. It will incorporate a detoxification plan that helps the client stay as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Medication
More often than not, many clients may need medication as a part of their treatment. For example, different prescriptions may be used temporarily during detox to manage withdrawal symptoms. Daily medications may also be used to complement the traditional psychotherapy process, known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Dual Diagnosis and Co-occurring Disorders
Often, individuals who struggle with mental health disorders also struggle with SUD and vice versa. However, many clients are not aware of the overlap of these conditions. This part of a treatment plan helps clients understand if they have any co-occurring conditions or additional mental health diagnoses. It also educates the client about how co-occurring disorders must be treated simultaneously to reduce the risk of relapse.
Mental and Physical Health
Some individuals may have additional physical or mental ailments that must be considered for treatment. Likewise, many who struggle with substance use have neglected their physical health. Therefore, treatment, treatment must work to manage and improve overall health. Other related mental health aspects that must be addressed include:
- Trauma: Understandably, trauma is often the main contributor to the development of mental health and SUD. Individualized treatment plans will utilize trauma-informed care when necessary. Similarly, trauma-focused therapies may be included in a client’s plan to help navigate and overcome unresolved trauma.
- Work-related stress: Work-related stress is another unique mental health need that must be addressed in treatment. An individualized treatment plan will include unique treatment options to help clients manage and navigate such stress.
Aftercare Needs
Every client will have unique aftercare needs once they complete their treatment program. For example, many individuals will need access to sober living opportunities or transitional treatment options. Others may need employment resources or financial counseling. These things are all included in the aftercare needs category of an individualized treatment plan. Social support opportunities are also likely to be included in aftercare needs.
It is crucial to remember that the categories above only outline what a treatment plan can include. For every category, treatment modalities and recommendations for how a client should manage and overcome their specific challenge would be set.
Treatment Plans Will Evolve
As the seasons change, so will every client and their needs. Therefore, it is vital to understand that individualized treatment plans are always subject to change. While developing these plans are an excellent start for treatment and recovery, a client must be willing to follow through with their plan. Even after they complete treatment, they must evaluate what categories of their plan still need attention.
Every treatment plan is designed to build confidence in a client’s sobriety and manage relapse triggers appropriately. Coping skills may be addressed throughout each category or as their category. In the same way, these skills must be kept up-to-date.
Individualized treatment recognizes that every person is unique, and treatment should mimic that. For treatment to be effective, it must be individualized to fit a client’s specific needs and recovery goals. Individualized treatment plans are developed collaboratively between a client and a client’s healthcare team. These plans address a number of challenges and barriers that can keep a client from achieving and maintaining lifelong recovery. SoCal Mental Health is a treatment center for mental health and substance use disorders. We utilize individualized treatment plans for all our clients because we know that every person has different life factors that have brought them to treatment. We offer a number of different treatment modalities and other resources for our clients so they can get the most from their treatment experience. To learn more about our facility, give us a call today at (949) 502-2041.
