SLBMI Psychology and Religion Program>> Aftercare Program

Aftercare is an important component of our Program for Psychology and Religion. It is often overlooked in outpatient centers. The purpose of aftercare is to help the client re-integrate into community, to maintain the gains they made in treatment, and prevent relapse.

Aftercare is highly individualized to each client completing any of our programs. The most common aftercare program involves the combination of individual psychotherapy and medication. Clinical research indicates this to be the most successful treatment approach in general (of course, this varies based on the diagnosis of the individual).

When the client lives beyond a driving commute to St. Louis, we coordinate with psychologists, psychiatrists, and other health care professionals in the client’s new living area to provide continuity of treatment in their aftercare. In addition, clients will often return at 3 MONTHS, 6 MONTHS, and/or 1 YEAR for a day or two of intensive individual and/or group psychotherapy to assess for potential problem areas, reinforce positive experiences, and prevent relapse.

In special cases, we coordinate “phone psychotherapy” and “e-mail psychotherapy” to meet aftercare goals. This is particularly helpful for individuals who perform ministry in other countries.

Who Benefits from this Program?
(Common Examples)

• A client who has completed our Intensive Outpatient Program and needs follow-up care to prevent relapse and maintain gains.
• A client who has completed a program elsewhere and is needing continued rehabilitation and follow-up.
• A client who has a history of intensive or inpatient treatment and has recently relapsed but does not require inpatient services.