Discharge Follow-Up Care

Discharge Follow-Up Care

The Importance of Follow-Up Care

Mental illnesses are common – nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Caring for yourself during an episode of mental illness is a sign of your inner strength and empowerment. If you are struggling or worried about your mental health, please treat it as you would a physical health condition and see a mental health provider. For Community provider information, call the Behavioral Health Team toll-free at 1.844.297.4450, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

When a hospital stay is necessary, it is important that you follow through on next steps to recovery upon being discharged. A good follow-up care plan will help you manage your mental health as you return home and to your daily life.

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Why follow-up care is so important

  • Helps lower the risk of repeat trips to the hospital
  • Gives your doctor the chance to evaluate and adjust your medication
  • Helps you transition back home and work or school after a hospital stay
  • Helps you build on the progress you made during your hospital stay

For more resources on mental health, visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics.

You can also visit the Stay Healthy links in our Mental Health and Well-being section.

Tips for your follow-up visit

  • Tell your doctor about your recent hospital stay.
  • Create a Mental Health Safety Plan with your doctor.
  • Make a list of your medications, and take your medication bottles with you.
  • Tell your doctor if you have side effects from your medication.
  • Do not stop taking medications before talking to your doctor.
  • Write down your doctor’s instructions and your next appointment.

When to call your doctor

  • Feel that your medications have not been helping
  • Feel hopeless or worthless
  • Have gained or lost weight
  • Feel irritated, restless, and/or aggressive
  • Have little interest in daily activities
  • Want to sleep more or less than normal

When to call our 24/7 Behavioral Health Hotline

  • Think you can’t stop hurting yourself or others
  • Hear voices that are new or more upsetting than normal
  • Think unusual things
Contact Us

CHIP Member Services
Local: 713.295.2294 | Toll-Free: 1.888.760.2600

Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays) 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

General Information
Local: 713.295.2222 | Toll-Free: 1.877.635.6736

Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays) 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Providers Hotline
Local: 713.295.2295
Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays) 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

Additional Contact Numbers

Contact Information

**Call toll-free at 1.877.343.3108. Press “1” if you are in a crisis.

Need help? Call the Behavioral Health Team toll-free at 1.844.297.4450, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Contact Us

CHIP Member Services
Local: 713.295.2294 | Toll-Free: 1.888.760.2600

Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays) 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

General Information
Local: 713.295.2222 | Toll-Free: 1.877.635.6736

Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays) 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Providers Hotline
Local: 713.295.2295
Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays) 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

Additional Contact Numbers

Why Choose Community?

As a local nonprofit health plan, Community Health Choice gives you plenty of reasons to join our Community. From the benefits and special programs we offer to the way our Member Services team helps you make the most of them, Community is always working life forward for you and your family.

“Community Health Choice is always there to answer my questions and help me and my family with our medical needs. I truly appreciate and value their customer support and service.”

– Cecily
Member of Community Health Choice