What is therapeutic aftercare?

Aftercare is the continued care a patient receives after their therapeutic rehabilitation. It offers continued support to patients who have undergone therapy for psychiatric disorders such as depression, addiction, anxiety, etc. to continue the progress made during therapy. It’s also used to minimise potential situations of social risk to the patient. It is usually offered via intensive outpatient programmes with the accompaniment of a specialist during visits to the outpatient centre.

Why is it done?

Aftercare increases the likelihood that behaviours and habits that were formed during therapy continue once the patient has finished their sessions or left a clinical rehabilitation centre. As a result, the chance of relapse is lowered and patients have a support plan in place.

What does it involve?

Aftercare involves developing a plan to help a patient make the transition from psychotherapeutic treatment to life after treatment. Aftercare offers support for challenges patients face once they return to their daily lives after therapy. Measures such as the following are used:

• Outpatient appointments
• Group counselling
• Individual therapy

The functions of a therapist during outpatient patient visits include the implementation of relevant medication and the monitoring of routines to ease the patient’s integration back into society. Among patients who require this type of therapeutic accompaniment are mainly people with addictions to illegal toxic drugs associated with mental disorders.

How do you prepare?

Your medical specialist will be able to help you develop a plan that is optimised for your lifestyle and needs. This involves ensuring you have a supportive environment and are away from potential instances that can trigger a relapse. It will also involve what actions to take if you do relapse.

Recovery will be a life-long process and won’t end upon the completion of aftercare. Your specialist and/or a member of your care team will be available to offer continued support should you need it.