Library · Domain 3. Treatment Planning & Continuity of Care · 3B. Continuity of Care
Task 3B.2
Developing an aftercare plan
“Develop an aftercare plan” (NBCC, 2027 task 3B.2)
An aftercare plan sets out the supports and services a client will use after a period of treatment ends, especially after a more intensive level of care. It bridges the gap between structured treatment and everyday life. The exam tests aftercare components and coordination.
Key points
- Aftercare plans typically include follow-up appointments, step-down services, support groups, medication management, crisis resources and community supports.
- Schedule the first follow-up appointment before discharge whenever possible; the period right after discharge from intensive care is a time of elevated risk.
- Include warning signs and what to do if they appear.
- Involve the client in designing the plan and, with consent, family and other providers.
- Address practical needs such as transportation, insurance coverage, housing and employment.
- Coordinate records with releases of information so the next provider has what they need.
- Check how the plan is working at follow-up and adjust.
In practice
Before a client leaves a residential substance use program, his counselor schedules an intensive outpatient intake for the following Monday, identifies two nearby mutual-support meetings, confirms his medication refills, and sends a summary to the outpatient program with his signed consent.
A teen discharged from partial hospitalization has an aftercare plan that includes weekly counseling, a school re-entry meeting, a crisis line number, and a check-in call from the program after one week.
Check yourself
Why schedule the first follow-up appointment before discharge?
The period immediately after leaving intensive care carries elevated risk, and a scheduled appointment reduces gaps.
Name four components of an aftercare plan.
Follow-up services, support groups, crisis resources and warning signs, along with medication and practical supports.
Who should be involved in developing an aftercare plan?
The client, and with consent, family and the providers who will continue care.
NBCC's knowledge and skills for 3B. Continuity of Care
Knowledge of: Levels of care; Professional wills; Community partner/resources; Release of information (ROI) protocols and requirements; Wraparound services; Stages of change; Discharge practices; Proper termination protocols.
Skill in: Establishing contact with community resources; Applying relapse prevention strategies; Evaluating readiness for discharge.
A study guide written by ExamDragon from NBCC's published task; not NBCC material and not part of the exam.