Continuing Care
While residential treatment creates a secure space for individuals to focus on the immediate challenges of healing from addiction, we recognize that the journey toward lasting recovery truly begins after treatment ends.
At Headwaters, we initiate a personalized continuing care plan for each patient from the very beginning of their stay, working closely not only with the individual but also with their family members, business associates, managers, legal advisors, and other key members of their support network. By tailoring each discharge plan to meet the unique needs of our patients, we set the stage for a successful transition back into everyday life.
Leading-Edge Care
Understanding Continuing Care Planning
Known as discharge planning, continuing care is essential in helping patients and their families navigate the complexities of a life in recovery. An organized, structured aftercare program not only provides stability for those entering recovery but also offers reassurance for their families and broader support systems. While this planning centers on the patient, many others are often involved. With consent, we collaborate with these supportive contacts—including family and professional allies—to help build an aftercare plan that respects and aligns with the patient's lifestyle and recovery needs.
At Headwaters, continuing care planning starts at admission. Recognizing the distinct challenges that high-responsibility individuals face, we work alongside their primary therapist and other members of our multidisciplinary team to establish a proactive, individualized plan that's ready well before discharge.
Continuing Care Intensives
At Headwaters, we recognize that recovery is a lifelong journey, and challenges can arise even after completing treatment. To provide an extra layer of support, we offer Continuing Care Intensives—focused, short-term programs designed for individuals who may be experiencing early signs of psychological relapse or struggling to maintain their progress.
Our Continuing Care Intensives offer a focused, short-term opportunity for individuals to return to treatment for one to two weeks of immersive clinical therapy. These intensives serve as both a preventative measure—planned in advance at intervals as part of a robust aftercare plan—and as a responsive support option, available upon patient request when life circumstances indicate a return to structured care is beneficial.
These intensives provide a safe and structured environment for patients to reconnect with clinical therapy, identify triggers, and refocus their recovery efforts before a relapse occurs. During a Continuing Care Intensive, patients engage in personalized therapeutic sessions with our expert clinicians, participate in evidence-based group therapies, and explore practical strategies to strengthen emotional resilience.
This proactive approach helps individuals regain stability, renew their commitment to sobriety, and return to their daily lives equipped with reinforced tools for success. By addressing concerns early, Continuing Care Intensives serve as a preventative measure, empowering patients to stay on the path of recovery with confidence and clarity.
Key Components of a Comprehensive Continuing Care Plan
We consider each patient's unique circumstances and tailor continuing care plans around the following areas:
Counseling
Continuing therapy is often a crucial part of our patients' aftercare plans. Based on each person's needs, we may recommend working with a trusted therapist or engaging in clinical support like Intensive Outpatient Programs or group therapy. We coordinate with skilled referents to ensure executive-level patients have access to ongoing support that addresses any challenges arising post-treatment.
Family Support
Substance use disorders impact the entire family system, and research shows that family involvement significantly improves recovery outcomes. Our continuing care services include family support through our Family Programs, which consider the needs of each family member. This may include family counseling or support groups like Al-Anon, fostering a supportive environment post-discharge.
Medication Management
For patients with co-occurring conditions, maintaining a specific medical plan is often vital. We help connect patients with local healthcare professionals who can oversee their long-term care, ensuring they adhere to prescribed medication and track their progress.
Alumni Services
Our comprehensive Alumni Services, designed to last a lifetime, are available to offer ongoing connection, encouragement, and guidance. From structured recovery groups across the country to exclusive recharge events, these services help patients maintain meaningful connections with their Headwaters family.
Structure and Accountability
Leaving the structured environment of residential treatment can be challenging, which is why we work closely with patients to develop a balanced schedule that integrates clinical recommendations with positive recovery activities. Together, we build a sustainable work-life balance that includes time for physical fitness, community service, recovery meetings, and other activities that reinforce sober living.
Our Continuing Care Team's Goal
While sobriety is the core goal of treatment, lasting success occurs when patients are empowered to forge healthy relationships and interests that extend beyond discharge. Recovery involves breaking old habits and embracing a balanced, fulfilling life. Through open communication with our team, patients, families, and key supporters collaboratively build a realistic, robust continuing care plan that fosters freedom from addiction for a lifetime. Where beneficial, our team coordinates follow-up care at Headwaters, whether for a brief recharge visit or ongoing therapeutic support, to reinforce enduring wellness and growth.