Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

What is the most likely reason clients discharged from a psychiatric hospital require re-hospitalization?

1. Clients' families are not engaged in the discharge planning process.

2. Hospitalization did not address clients' need for coping skills.

3. The program staff are overworked and unable to provide individual attention.

4. Sufficient follow up services are not available in the community.

The correct answer is: Sufficient follow up services are not available in the community.

The most likely reason clients who have been discharged from a psychiatric hospital require re-hospitalization is the lack of sufficient follow-up services available in the community. After discharge, individuals recovering from psychiatric issues often need continued support to maintain their stability and manage their mental health effectively. If these support systems, which can include outpatient therapy, medication management, case management, and peer support services, are insufficient or nonexistent, clients may struggle to cope with challenges that arise post-discharge. This lack of adequate support may result in a deterioration of their mental health, leading them back to the hospital. While family engagement, coping skills development, and the individual attention provided by hospital staff can significantly impact a client's recovery and transition, the absence of comprehensive community-based follow-up services directly influences their ability to integrate successfully into the community and maintain their well-being after discharge. Thus, without a robust support network in place, clients are at a higher risk of needing re-hospitalization.