Have you Built your Care Team?

Photo courtesy of Dylan Gillis, unsplash.com

By Carley Foster, LCPC

Have you ever considered who is on your care team? If you have or a loved one has ever spent time in an inpatient treatment setting, it’s likely the services received were the result of a team collaboration. Even if you are receiving support in an outpatient setting, you may have already developed your care team without knowing it! Allow me to introduce you to the concept, why it may be an important next step in taking care of your overall health, and how to get your care team on board.

How does a care team work?

              Essentially, a care team is a group of individuals who are working together on your overall healthcare. They might meet at regular intervals to discuss your case, make recommendations for next steps, or simply check in on how you are doing. I have heard this sometimes referred to as “wraparound care.” If you are receiving therapy in an outpatient setting, as is the case for most private therapy, your care team may not be corresponding very often. You might even be the liaison between them. Despite this, your team is creating a circle of support around you that can be invaluable during times of struggle, regardless of how often they are communicating.

              There are two things I liked about this wraparound model. First, the client is held by a group of invested individuals, rather than all the responsibility falling on one provider who may not be able to meet all those needs. Second, each team member brings with them different expertise, experiences, and approaches that are more powerful when put together. In my own experience, having this resource in place has sometimes been the difference between a client plateauing or excelling toward their health-related goals.

               I saw how important strong care teams can be in a person’s healing early on in my mental health career. Both my internship and first job were in inpatient and partial hospitalization settings, which rely on providers collaborating in order to meet the needs of their clients. One thing I loved about this environment was being on a team that included therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, and support staff. Each of us brought a slightly different perspective to the table, but everyone was connected by the desire to support both the community of the center and individual clients. As a result, people got the care they needed and we professionals were less likely to burn out.

Why would a care team be important for me?  

Studies shows that individuals tend to have better health outcomes when multiple providers are collaborating on their case. However, our current system of healthcare makes it easy to assume that physical and mental health are separate topics. They are often treated separately and in isolation from one another. By focusing on one over the other, we risk missing important aspects of overall wellness.

An ever-growing body of research confirms that physical and mental health are interconnected. Mental health outcomes can be impacted by physical issues and vice versa. This report, linked from the World Health Organization, found that poor mental health increases risk for the development of chronic physical conditions. Consider the variety of mental health issues that have a way of manifesting in the body. This 2018 study of US military veterans found that participants who met diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were significantly more likely to develop physical issues such as osteoporosis, migraines, and even diabetes, compared to people who did not.

Likewise, imbalances in the body can lead to mental health issues that significantly reduce when the medical cause is treated. Current research is now investigating whether the gut microbiome can influence mood—and influencing the gut microbiome may even be a future treatment for depression. All of this to say, it is vital to remember that the brain and body create a whole system, and change to one part of this system often leads to change in other areas.

Who should be on my care team?

              This is entirely up to you! The people involved in your care team will depend on the types of support you need and may be informed by the recommendation of other providers you work with. In addition to a mental health therapist, it can be helpful to enlist the help of a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner if medication management is part of your treatment. It is also a good idea to have a relationship with a Primary Care Provider (PCP) who you visit regularly for check-ups and other health-related issues. These connections represent the “core” of the team. At minimum, it is a good idea for at least two of these individuals to be in touch with each other, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions and are being prescribed medication.

After establishing with each of these providers, they might offer a referral for more specialized care. I tend to suggest using word of mouth to find referrals whenever possible. If you like and trust the person providing the referral, chances are good that others in their network will have similar approaches and qualities. It is also possible to find referrals through speaking to your insurance network, however, insurance networks do not know their providers personally.

              Another thing to keep in mind is the length of time you will spend with a provider on your team. Some of these relationships may be longer-term, such as a therapist or PCP. You may meet with others for short-term or very specific support that can restart on an as-needed basis. For example, a social worker who can help you navigate finding housing would not be as relevant to your care once you have found a place to live, but might become more relevant if your housing situation does not work out.

 I bring this up because gathering this much support at one time can often feel overwhelming or unsustainable. After all, it’s a lot of appointments to make and show up for. Some support is going to be more important to you at particular times, and that is okay. The ability to recognize what you need in the moment and adjust your care accordingly is a huge step in advocating for your own healthcare. It can also be a great exercise in setting boundaries and assertive communication!  

I have my care team in place…now what?

              Great question! The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, otherwise known as HIPAA, is in place to protect sensitive health information from being disclosed without your consent. This means, in most cases, you must provide explicit consent in order for two providers to talk about your case, or even confirm you are a patient!

              This is where a release of information comes in. A release of information is a signed document that states, in writing, what health information a provider is allowed to disclose about you to someone else. If you would like your therapist to collaborate with a dietitian, for example, you can request to sign a release of information allowing the two of them to talk. At times, your therapist might offer a release of information if they feel it would be appropriate. It is always your decision whether or not you want to sign this document, and you have the right to revoke consent at any time. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, the person you are working with should be able to explain further.

Did you know our clinicians are accepting new appointments? As of July 12th, 2022, we are still available to support you on the next step of your healing journey. You can request an appointment through our website and get connected with a therapist that meets your needs.

Remember, this blog is not a substitute for a qualified professional who understands your unique needs. However, we may be able to connect you with a qualified professional if you would like to explore further.