Discharge Planning

An Essential Component for Recovery

From the day the patient is admitted, Walden develops a discharge plan for him or her. The discharge plan helps ensure a smooth transition to another level of care or back to the community. Care is integrated at every level.

Walden works with each patient and family member to implement the plan. When discharge back into the community takes place, an outpatient team or therapist ensures that the patient will continue to receive the care needed to prevent a relapse and ensure lasting recovery.

Walden will work with patients' health insurance carriers or managed-care organizations to advocate on their behalf when we believe continuing treatment is needed. Insurance carriers understand discharge planning and collaborate with Walden staff to plan the optimum treatment needed for recovery.

Walden staff can help by:

• Arranging outpatient appointments
• Identifying a primary care physician, if needed, to handle all medical issues
• Providing partial hospitalization to ensure that the patient is monitored regularly and continues to receive needed treatment.

We also recognize that discharge creates challenges not only for the patient, but for the family. Early preparation is essential. Discharge plans need to be flexible and are modified when circumstances change.