Client Treatment Plan Discharge Criteria

Discharge criteria, in the context of a therapy treatment plan, refers to the specific benchmarks or conditions that indicate when a client is ready to conclude their active participation in therapy or transition to a lower level of care. These benchmarks can include measurable improvements in the client’s symptoms, achievement of identified treatment goals, evidence of stable coping skills, and the establishment of a supportive environment that enables the client to maintain progress outside of session. In more practical terms, discharge criteria help the therapist and client ensure that the client has sufficiently met their therapeutic objectives, is able to manage ongoing challenges, and has resources in place for additional support if necessary. By defining these criteria in a clear and collaborative way, the therapist and client can monitor progress and ensure that the client leaves treatment feeling more empowered and better equipped to handle life’s stresses and demands independently.

The client agrees to end therapy when both the client and therapist agree that therapy has been successful, and the client feels ready to end the therapy process. The client agress to end therapy when there is a clear plan for the transition, including strategies for maintaining gains, managing potential setbacks, and criteria for seeking therapy in the future if needed. The client agrees to end therapy after they have achieved the primary goals set at the beginning of therapy. These could include symptom reduction, behavior change, or improved coping strategies. Improvements are not only achieved but maintained over time, indicating sustainable change. The client agrees to end therapy when they have a solid relapse prevention plan, including managing triggers, recognizing warning signs, applying coping strategies, and knowing when and how to seek help. The client agrees to end therapy when there are clear steps and resources identified for crisis situations, ensuring the client feels prepared to handle emergencies independently. The client may end therapy at any time if they feel like therapy with their clinician is not bringing them closer to their goals, and/or they feel that the therapist is not a right fit for them. The client may end therapy at any time for any reason.

The client agrees to end therapy when they have consistently demonstrated the ability to use effective coping strategies learned in therapy to deal with stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. There is evidence of the client’s ability to manage symptoms independently, without relying on therapy as the primary coping mechanism. There’s a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of symptoms that led the client to seek therapy. The client shows improved functioning in daily activities, relationships, and occupational roles. The client has gained insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, understanding the underlying patterns and triggers. There is a clear sense of personal growth and development, with an enhanced understanding of self-identity and values. The client’s life circumstances are stable enough to support discharge, including stable housing, employment, and social relationships. There’s a comprehensive assessment of the client’s progress, including feedback from the client about their therapy experience. A follow-up schedule is agreed upon, if necessary, to check on the client’s well-being post-discharge, allowing for adjustment of the discharge plan as needed. There is a robust support system in place, including friends, family, or community resources, which the client can utilize when faced with challenges.

Acknowledgement:

I will ask new clients for an acknowledgment of their understanding during the intake session. The discharge criteria applies to every client. The client will let the clinician know if they have any questions or concerns, or if any of the process is incomplete.

Note:

A client may end a therapeutic work relationship at any time, for any reason.

References:

American Counseling Association (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
American Psychological Association (2013). Guidelines for Psychological Practice. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.