Behavioral Health Case Management Case Study

One of the hardest-working roles in the field of substance-use disorder treatment is that of the case manager (CM). In fact, the scope of case management is so broad that it is difficult to sum it up in a single sentence (Grand Canyon University (GCU) PCN-255 Lecture 1: Foundations of Case Management, 2015). Here is a brief discussion of what is required and typically expected of a CM practicing in this author’s home state of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Title 450:50-1-2 describes behavioral health case management as “the application of principles and practices of linking, advocacy and referral in partnership with a consumer to support the consumer in self-sufficiency and community tenure”). To be a candidate for CM certification in Oklahoma, one must at least 21 years of age and be currently employed at a mental health or substance abuse treatment facility. He or she must also possess “good moral turpitude” and comply with certain rules

CM-I certification requires sixty college credit hours or a high school diploma and 36 months of “direct, documented experience working with persons who live with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. CM-II certification requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education or a behavioral health related field of study, or any other field if the candidate is certified by the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA) or is actively progressing toward earning a Master’s or Doctorate degree. A registered nurse with experience in behavioral health care is also eligible to be certified as a CM-II. Candidates in Oklahoma are required to pass a web-based competency exam to become certified, and thereafter complete twelve annual hours of continuing education. However, education and credentials are only part of what makes a competent CM. Just as important are skills and knowledge acquired through training and