Lesson 18: Terminating Cases

Attention

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

• Identify what conditions may lead to the decision to terminate a case
• Identify how to terminate cases

Teaching

In the past, clients often received mental health services for years at a time. Although some clients still do receive ongoing services, it is no longer the norm. Instead, most clients now receive a briefer episode of care. During this episode, they receive services to help them reach their goals and then they are discharged. If future needs arise, a new episode of care begins. Termination from services brings up many feelings for clients.  There are strategies to help termination be a successful stepping stone in a client's life.

When to terminate your work with a client...

• Client and the case manager agree it is time to move on
• Client dies or moves away
• Funding source will no longer pay for services (eligibility issues as well)
• Client no longer wants services
• You cannot find the client

Process

• Final Interview
• Letter
• Documentation

Discharge Summary

Assessment

Lesson 18 Discussion

Discuss what circumstances would lead you to terminate a case from services. Discuss some strategies you can employ to help meet the client's needs during the process of termination.