Discharge Planning

The importance of discharge planning

Effective discharge planning is an essential phase of the mental health recovery process. The transition from residential treatment to daily life often introduces new complexities, making proper support paramount. At Capella Recovery Center, aftercare is never an afterthought; it is fundamental to sustaining the therapeutic progress you’ve made and building confidence for independent living. Each plan is crafted with your unique goals, therapeutic gains, clinical needs, and circumstances in mind. You receive guidance for every step of the transition.

What might my discharge plan include?

Your discharge plan is tailored to your specific situation, offering resources and ongoing support that reinforce your stability. After treatment, your plan may include:

  • Medication management and continued oversight by behavioral health professionals
  • Regular participation in structured peer support groups
  • Continued involvement in family therapy
  • Continued clinical treatment in PHP, IOP, or OP
  • Capella’s alumni community for maintaining peer support
  • Functional integration resources (Life skills training, career support, community engagement)
  • Holistic stability practices (Nutrition, movement, mindfulness)

Each plan is designed with clinical assurance, empowering you to return to your community with new skills, connections, and therapeutic backing.

The next levels of care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP)

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) offer a highly structured, intensive day program, typically five to six days per week, designed to provide strong clinical stability as you transition back toward independent living. This model allows you to engage in comprehensive, on-site therapeutic care throughout the day while applying and strengthening your recovery skills each evening in your home or supported setting.

Intensive outpatient program (IOP)

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) provide the structured framework needed to sustain therapeutic gains while allowing continuous engagement in daily life. Built for flexibility, IOP enables you to reside at home and meet work, school, or family obligations, all while receiving comprehensive clinical care multiple times per week.

Virtual outpatient program (OP)

Outpatient programs (OP) are designed to provide adaptable, ongoing support as you continue your recovery process. Sessions may be held virtually or in person, allowing participation while maintaining full daily responsibilities. This level of care offers increasing independence while still helping you stay connected to expert guidance and clinical accountability.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) offer a highly structured, intensive day program, typically five to six days per week, designed to provide strong clinical stability as you transition back toward independent living. This model allows you to engage in comprehensive, on-site therapeutic care throughout the day while applying and strengthening your recovery skills each evening in your home or supported setting.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) provide the structured framework needed to sustain therapeutic gains while allowing continuous engagement in daily life. Built for flexibility, IOP enables you to reside at home and meet work, school, or family obligations, all while receiving comprehensive clinical care multiple times per week.

Outpatient programs (OP) are designed to provide adaptable, ongoing support as you continue your recovery process. Sessions may be held virtually or in person, allowing participation while maintaining full daily responsibilities. This level of care offers increasing independence while still helping you stay connected to expert guidance and clinical accountability.

Building a strong foundation for recovery

Discharge planning is where the application of therapeutic work truly begins. Our team proactively collaborates with you to map out a clear strategy that translates clinical understanding into real-life stability. We ensure you have a robust plan that champions your strengths and connects you with necessary resources, establishing a solid path for your next steps.

Resources for aftercare

Navigating life after residential care requires a network of reliable support. We believe that continuous connection and access to professional support are essential tools for maintaining stability. Our team proactively ensures you are linked not only to the Capella community but also to external resources that align with your long-term therapeutic goals.

Stay connected with peers and find structured encouragement long after your time at Capella by joining our alumni community. Through exclusive events, community groups, and ongoing connection, you’ll experience the benefits of friendship, accountability, and collective success throughout every stage of recovery. 

Sustained engagement in recovery is facilitated by ongoing peer support, shared perspective, and real-life inspiration from others who understand the mental health process. Many find strength in dedicated mental health support groups such as:

  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Groups
  • DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
  • EA (Emotions Anonymous) Support Groups

Families navigating a loved one’s recovery can find understanding, structured community, and crucial guidance through a variety of support organizations. These groups provide a space to share experiences and gain strength from others who know the mental health process firsthand.

  • NAMI Family Support Groups
  • DBSA Family Support Groups