What Makes a Good Mental Health Case Manager?

Case management is a treatment option that focuses on linking clients to necessary community resources, such as medical providers, social service agencies and housing, and teaching necessary skills for managing symptoms of mental illness and maintaining independent living in the community.

Background

• A good case manager is knowledgeable about mental illness, social problems and available community resources. A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or a related field helps provide the necessary background and is typically required for case management positions.

Communication

• A good case manager has effective written and oral communication skills. Case managers frequently must communicate with social service agencies to assist clients with obtaining services and provide psychiatrists, therapists, primary care physicians and other treatment providers with information about the client to help ensure that treatment needs are being addressed.

Planning

• Time management and prioritizing work are necessary skills for a good case manager. Case managers have notes, assessments, team meetings, appointments with clients and other job duties that must be completed within a certain time frame.

Needs

• Understanding the strengths, needs and goals of clients is a necessary skill for a good case manager. A good case manager is able to assist clients with creating a specific goal and providing instruction and support to help the client achieve the goal.

Ethics

• A good case manager must understand the policy and ethical guidelines of the agency. Ethical guidelines typically include not having an outside relationship with clients, respecting clients and not imposing religious or political beliefs on clients.

Stress

• Case management is a stressful occupation that frequently leads to burnout. A good case manager has effective coping mechanisms for stress and is able to recognize when they are unable to perform certain job duties because of stress.