Addiction is a life-long condition that requires long-term treatment for successful recovery. Consequently, we ensure that when our patients leave treatment they are equipped with the right tools to maintain their abstinence from drugs, alcohol or other compulsive behaviours. 

Continuing care is essential to reduce the risk of relapse. At Castle Health clinic we provide ongoing support for our patients after they complete the treatment programme with us.

Before discharge, each patient consults with their focal therapist and other relevant Castle Health programme therapy staff during the patient’s time in treatment.

Together, they design a personalised two-year continuing care plan that will benefit them after they return to their homes and communities. This is discussed with and signed off by the Consultant Psychiatrist.

Apart from preparing an individualised aftercare plan for each patient, we refer patients back to their GP, counsellors, community addiction team, therapists or other medical professionals previously involved in the patient’s care. 

We also arrange for a contact within the local AA / NA fellowship, usually a former patient of Castle Health, to act as a ‘sponsor’ and help provide an introduction to these essential support networks.

The main elements of the patient’s personalised continuing care plan are:

Individualised therapy sessions for continuing treatment

The patient’s focal therapist works with the patient to:

  • Arrange aftercare appointments within the client’s local area;
  • Map out a daily structure;
  • Formulate and practise coping strategies.

Relapse Prevention Group

Patients in Extended Treatment attend regular relapse prevention groups which cover:

  • Triggers for substance misuse
  • Coping skills
  • Formulating the continuing care plan.

Aftercare Groups

We hold free weekly aftercare group sessions at our main on-grounds clinic Castle Craig Hospital. Smarmore Castle in the Republic of Ireland organises continuing care meetings at Smarmore Castle in County Louth which all former patients are welcome to attend. Castle Craig Netherlands organises its own continuing care programme in Holland. These are free of charge.

For our clients based in London and the South of England, we offer a list of recommended London-based aftercare and relapse prevention groups that they can attend.

Continuing Care via Castle Telehealth

Our online platform Castle Telehealth offers a flexible, 20 week continuing care programme which includes 10 weeks of online counselling including: 1x individual therapy session per week; 1x group therapy session per week; 1x aftercare group session per week. These are all delivered via our online platforms. After the initial 10 weeks we then offer a weekly check-in service to touch base with you and see how you are doing. Call our Admissions Team now for more information.

Referring On to Tertiary Care

Occasionally, a person with very complex needs will require referral to another, less intensive, secondary or tertiary care unit. Castle Health clinic has strong relationships with safehouses in the Netherlands and tertiary houses in London. Castle Health can also provide one on one sober companioning support with one of our dedicated recovery companions.