Library · Domain 3. Treatment Planning & Continuity of Care · 3B. Continuity of Care
Task 3B.4
Developing a discharge plan
“Develop a discharge plan” (NBCC, 2027 task 3B.4)
A discharge plan documents how and when a client will leave a service, what they will need afterward, and how care will continue. It begins early in treatment and is finalized before discharge. The exam tests discharge criteria, readiness and documentation.
Key points
- Discharge planning begins at admission or early in treatment, with criteria tied to treatment goals.
- Evaluate readiness: goals met or substantially met, symptoms stable, risk managed, supports in place and the client's own view.
- The plan covers the reason for discharge, progress made, remaining needs, recommendations, referrals, medications if relevant, crisis resources and follow-up appointments.
- Discharge may also occur for other reasons, such as the client moving, choosing to end, a need for a different level of care, or nonattendance; each needs appropriate steps and documentation.
- Give the client a copy and, with consent, send relevant information to the next provider.
- Write a discharge summary for the record.
- Avoid abrupt discharge that leaves a client without needed care.
In practice
A client in an outpatient program has met her goals of stable mood and return to work. The counselor writes a discharge plan noting progress, recommending a monthly peer support group, listing crisis resources, and scheduling one follow-up in six weeks.
A client has missed four sessions without contact. Following agency policy, the counselor sends a letter offering to resume services and giving referrals and crisis resources before closing the case and writing a discharge summary.
Check yourself
When should discharge planning begin?
At admission or early in treatment, with criteria linked to treatment goals.
Name four elements of a discharge plan.
Reason for discharge, progress made, recommendations and referrals, and crisis resources, along with follow-up arrangements.
What should a counselor do before closing the file of a client who has stopped attending?
Make a reasonable attempt to contact the client, offer resources or referrals, and document the steps, to avoid abandonment.
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.