Understanding your psychiatric treatment plan

Psychiatric treatment plans are used to ensure that people seeking mental healthcare receive the right support for their needs. These plans can be used in inpatient facilities, hospitals, outpatient psychiatric care, psychotherapy, or wherever a person is receiving care. Whatever the setting, your psychiatric treatment plan should reflect your individual needs, strengths, challenges, and preferences. 

Understanding how these plans are structured and what they include can help you advocate for yourself throughout your treatment experience.

What psychiatric care plans typically include

Effective psychiatric treatment often involves providers who offer different types of treatment, including, but not limited to, psychiatrists and psychotherapists. With the exception of acute cases (like when someone is experiencing severe psychosis), client or patient input is a vital part of the treatment planning process. 

In other words, effective mental health care isn’t one-size-fits all. Your providers will solicit your input on your symptoms, what is or isn’t working for you, and the types of modalities you prefer. Of course, you won’t have to steer the treatment planning process alone. Your therapist or psychiatrist can help you understand your options and offer suggestions about which supports might benefit you most. 

Some of the most common elements of a psychiatric treatment plan include:

• A personal history: This includes specific details about the person’s history, diagnosis, coexisting concerns, past and current symptoms, previous treatment and outcomes, and other details. 
• Short- and long-term goals for treatment: These can vary widely based on the person and their circumstances. Symptom relief and increased functioning are some of the most common treatment goals. Treatment goals should be measurable, so you and your provider know when goals have been met.  
• Targeted strategies and interventions: This may include modalities like individual, group, or family therapy, medication management services, nutritional services, occupational services, and other supports. The plan should list the professionals who are providing these services to ensure collaborative care.
• Recommended next steps: If the person is transitioning from one level of care to another, their treatment plan should include recommendations to help them be successful in this new setting. 
• Safety plans: People who are at risk of harming themselves or others should work with their providers to document a personal safety plan. These documents outline warning signs, coping strategies, and what to do in the event of a crisis.

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How treatment plans can evolve

Psychiatric treatment plans can (and should) evolve for a number of reasons. Most peoples’ mental health treatment needs will ebb and flow. For example, there may be times when a person experiences something that causes their symptoms to worsen. In those instances, their plan might need to be adjusted to include more frequent access to care or more intensive services. Similarly, as a person becomes more skilled in managing their symptoms, they might need less support over time. Their treatment plan would be adjusted to reflect their growing strengths. 

What to do if you feel unsure about your care plan

Providers can be an excellent source of information and guidance on your mental health journey. But remember, you will always be the expert on yourself, and you’re the only one who can truly understand your inner experience. So if you find yourself having doubts about your treatment plan, know that it’s OK to speak up. Mental health professionals should welcome their clients’ input because it’s one of the best ways to promote the best possible outcome. 

If you’re unsure how to talk to your provider about your concerns, here are some tips:

• Ask for clarification: If you’re not sure why your provider is recommending a certain support, ask them to explain why they feel it’s the right fit for you. If it isn’t making a difference for you (or if it’s making things worse), let your provider know.
• Discuss alternatives: Just like a map can show you a variety of ways to get to your destination, your treatment plan can include different options to help you achieve your goals. If one treatment isn’t working or isn’t aligned with your preferences, ask your provider to help you brainstorm alternatives.
• Provide feedback: Psychiatric care is a dynamic, collaborative process. So if something doesn’t feel right, you can say something like, “I’m not comfortable with this, and I don’t think it’s helping. Can we look into some other ideas?” or, “During our last session, you recommended something that didn’t sit well with me. Can we talk about that?”

If you express your concerns to your provider and things don’t improve, it might be worth seeking a second opinion. Different providers have different backgrounds and communication styles, and you deserve to connect with one that helps you feel seen, heard, and understood.

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Effective psychiatric treatment plans can help you meet your goals, strengthen your mental health, and improve your quality of life. They typically include your history, diagnosis, recommended therapies, goals for treatment, and other details. Understanding what’s included in your plan and advocating for yourself if something doesn’t feel right can help ensure you receive the right services for your needs.  

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

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