If a client leaves a treatment program early or involuntarily, how is the written discharge summary typically handled?

When a client leaves a treatment program early or involuntarily, the written discharge summary is still produced as usual. This is important because the discharge summary serves several key purposes in the context of treatment and ongoing care.

Firstly, the discharge summary documents the client's progress, treatment interventions, and any challenges faced during their time in the program. This record is crucial for continuity of care, allowing other treatment providers to understand the client's history and inform future interventions.

Secondly, maintaining the standard process of creating a discharge summary ensures that all legal and ethical standards are upheld. It provides an official account of the client's treatment, which can be relevant for insurance, legal, and clinical purposes.

While some might assume that an abbreviated or cursory summary might be sufficient in cases of early discharge, this would not provide a comprehensive view of the client’s treatment journey. A summary focused solely on terminal facts would neglect the nuances of the client's experience and the context of their discharge, which can be important for addressing their ongoing needs.