For residential programs
Hope & Key is a free, printable Comprehensive Substance Use Disorder Discharge Plan. Counselor and client fill it together. Nothing is sent to a server — the plan stays on the device it was typed on.
1. Start on day one
At intake, fill in the client's name, the program and one recovery goal. Nothing else. It takes two minutes and the packet is now open.
2. One section per session
Work through a section at a time. Housing and aftercare should be booked well before discharge day, not the morning of.
3. Call the numbers together
Set Find help to the city the client is discharging to, then call shelters, sober living and clinics while you are both sitting there.
4. Print and sign
Print two copies. One goes in the chart. One goes in the client's bag.
What the packet covers
- Housing secured
- Backup housing identified
- Transportation plan established
- Aftercare appointment scheduled
- Therapy appointment scheduled
- Medical follow-up scheduled
- Medication plan established
- Recovery meetings identified
- Recovery support identified
- Crisis plan completed
- Relapse prevention plan completed
- Employment/education plan established
- Financial plan completed
- Healthy relationship/boundary plan completed
- Weekly recovery schedule completed
- Emergency contacts documented
- Client understands aftercare recommendations
- Client has received a copy of the discharge plan
Hope & Key is a navigation tool. It is not a treatment provider, not a substitute for clinical judgment, and not affiliated with any county or agency.