What is a recommended strategy when high-risk patients are not willing to go to a higher level of care?

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Multiple Choice

What is a recommended strategy when high-risk patients are not willing to go to a higher level of care?

When someone at high risk isn’t willing to move to a higher level of care, the safest and most constructive approach is to connect them with community support services and coordinate care with their primary care physician. This keeps safety planning active and ensures medical and social needs are monitored, even if the patient declines full escalation. By involving case management, crisis resources, and local services, you create a support network that can address social determinants, transportation, housing, and access to ongoing monitoring, while still working closely with the PCP to track risk and coordinate any needed treatment. It also aligns with respecting patient autonomy while maintaining a safety net and a clear plan should their willingness or situation change. Medication changes alone may not reduce risk if the person isn’t under closer supervision or lacks broader support, and terminating therapy or simply continuing without addressing safety would put the patient at greater risk.

When someone at high risk isn’t willing to move to a higher level of care, the safest and most constructive approach is to connect them with community support services and coordinate care with their primary care physician. This keeps safety planning active and ensures medical and social needs are monitored, even if the patient declines full escalation. By involving case management, crisis resources, and local services, you create a support network that can address social determinants, transportation, housing, and access to ongoing monitoring, while still working closely with the PCP to track risk and coordinate any needed treatment. It also aligns with respecting patient autonomy while maintaining a safety net and a clear plan should their willingness or situation change. Medication changes alone may not reduce risk if the person isn’t under closer supervision or lacks broader support, and terminating therapy or simply continuing without addressing safety would put the patient at greater risk.

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