Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services
Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services
Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services form an essential component of the continuum of mental health care available in the United Kingdom. They are specifically designed to cater for individuals who require a heightened level of structured support, supervision, and therapeutic intervention whilst still retaining a focus on progression towards greater independence. These services typically accommodate people facing complex mental health conditions, co-existing challenges such as substance misuse or emotional distress, and difficulties in managing activities of daily living or maintaining personal safety. By offering intensive clinical input, carefully planned care pathways, and a collaborative, person-centred approach, Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services aim to empower service users to develop new skills and strategies for successful community reintegration.
At Inmind Healthcare, we are fully committed to delivering a safe and nurturing environment in which individuals can receive the specialised rehabilitation they need. Our ethos is rooted in compassion, respect, and empowerment, aligning with the fundamental belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to recover and thrive. In what follows, we shall explore the nature of Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services and how Inmind Healthcare implements best practice to ensure the best possible outcomes for our service users.
Understanding Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation
In the broader landscape of mental health care, service users often progress through various stages and levels of support. Rehabilitation services fall along a spectrum that ranges from high dependency and intensive care units to step-down facilities characterised by more autonomy, flexible support, and community integration. Level 2 services sit in a category where individuals require a substantial degree of supervision and complex interventions, but do not necessarily need the levels of observation or security associated with forensic or acute psychiatric wards.
Key Characteristics
- Structured environment: Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation wards provide 24-hour support, with a robust clinical governance structure and round-the-clock nursing care. This level of supervision ensures that service users have continuous access to professional support as and when required.
- Therapeutic focus: The primary focus in rehabilitation is on working towards recovery goals, from medication management and self-care strategies to vocational training and employment preparation.
- Multidisciplinary approach: Skilled professionals from various disciplines—psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, and nursing, amongst others—collaborate to deliver targeted interventions and therapies.
- Clear care pathways: Level 2 services are designed to help individuals gradually reduce their reliance on inpatient support by acquiring the necessary skills for community living. This process is carefully managed through personalised care pathways, ensuring that each individual’s progress is appropriately evaluated and the necessary support is provided at every stage.
By its very nature, high support rehabilitation aims to address the long-term, underlying factors contributing to a service user’s current difficulties. Rather than providing a brief, acute intervention, it focuses on building resilience, coping strategies, and personal development to enable individuals to transition towards lower levels of support and, ultimately, independent living wherever possible.
The Aims and Objectives of High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation
Many individuals entering Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation require further stabilisation of their mental health condition. They may experience ongoing symptoms of psychosis, mood disturbance, personality disorders, or other complex presentations. A critical aim is to establish a clear and effective medication management plan, fine-tune treatment regimens, and ensure a thorough understanding of any physiological or psychological factors affecting symptom management.
2. Promoting Independence
Though the environment is highly supportive and supervised, rehabilitation should always aim to nurture independence. This can involve developing daily living skills such as cooking, budgeting, shopping, and personal hygiene. In addition, acquiring skills in conflict resolution, stress management, and relationship building is crucial for successful community integration.
3. Enhancing Social and Interpersonal Skills
Isolation often accompanies severe mental health difficulties. Inpatient rehabilitation programmes deliberately incorporate group-based activities and communal living arrangements to help individuals re-learn or refine social skills, thereby improving their ability to maintain healthy relationships and interpersonal boundaries in the wider community.
4. Individualised Goal-Setting
Each service user’s recovery journey is unique. In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, every individual is encouraged to identify and set personal goals—be they related to education, employment, social engagement, physical wellbeing, or other pursuits. This fosters a sense of self-efficacy and motivation, reinforcing the idea that with the right support, they can take ownership of their rehabilitation journey.
5. Safe and Therapeutic Environment
A fundamental aspect of high support rehabilitation is ensuring a secure environment that promotes healing and growth. Physical and psychological safety is paramount, necessitating a well-structured environment with clear boundaries, consistent routines, and trained staff adept at de-escalation techniques and therapeutic engagement.
Our Hospitals Providing Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation
At Inmind Healthcare, our commitment to exceptional Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation services is reflected across our network of hospitals. Southleigh Community Hospital, Sturdee Community Hospital, Woodleigh Community Hospital, and Waterloo Manor Hospital all provide a welcoming, therapeutic atmosphere coupled with robust clinical support.
Each hospital is staffed by multidisciplinary teams equipped to address complex mental health needs, foster personal growth, and promote greater independence. By tailoring interventions to individual circumstances and maintaining clear, compassionate communication, these hospitals ensure that every service user receives a personalised pathway towards recovery. Through structured routines, meaningful activities, and evidence-based treatments, our hospitals deliver the dedicated care that underpins lasting wellbeing and empowers individuals to move forward with confidence.
Admission and Assessment Processes
Referrals to Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services come from a variety of sources, including acute mental health wards, forensic services, and community mental health teams. In some instances, individuals may be referred following repeated admissions to acute services or unsuccessful placements in lower support settings. Upon referral, the potential service user’s case is reviewed by our clinical team to assess whether our High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation setting is appropriate for their needs.
2. Initial Assessment
Once deemed suitable, the individual undergoes an in-depth assessment with a psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist, and nursing team. This provides a holistic understanding of their mental health history, risk factors, social circumstances, cognitive functioning, and any specific challenges or strengths. It is also an opportunity for the service user to express their own wishes, concerns, and aspirations. Throughout this process, we at Inmind Healthcare place emphasis on transparency and respect, ensuring individuals remain informed and active participants in their care.
2. Personalised Care Plan
Upon completion of the assessment, a personalised care plan is co-produced with the service user, setting out their goals, the interventions required to achieve them, and clear milestones for measuring progress. This can include psychological therapies (such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, or trauma-informed approaches), medication management, occupational therapy, and social or family support work. Care plans are living documents, subject to regular review and modification in response to changes in an individual’s condition or personal aspirations.
Therapeutic Environment and Facilities
Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation wards at Inmind Healthcare are designed to feel warm, welcoming, and comfortable. Though safety and risk management are paramount, we recognise that an overly institutional atmosphere can be detrimental to recovery. Therefore, we aim for a homely environment with communal lounges, activity rooms, dining areas, and private spaces where service users can relax or engage in one-to-one sessions with staff.
2. Structured Daily Routines
We strike a balance between providing structure and allowing freedom of choice. Our timetables typically include therapeutic group sessions, individual therapy appointments, and practical skill-building activities. Service users are encouraged to attend regular community meetings where they can share feedback on activities, voice concerns, and contribute to decisions about their environment.
3. Leisure and Recreation
In order to support overall wellbeing, we provide access to recreational activities such as arts and crafts, music sessions, gardening groups, sports, and fitness programmes. These activities not only help individuals develop new interests and social connections but also offer valuable opportunities for stress management and creative self-expression.
Core Therapeutic Programmes and Interventions
- Psychological Therapies
A range of psychological approaches is available, depending on individual need and clinical presentation:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and modify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour. It is particularly effective in treating conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT is often used for individuals with complex emotional regulation difficulties, such as those with borderline personality disorder. DBT teaches skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Trauma-Informed Approaches: Many people admitted to rehabilitation settings have experienced significant trauma. Trauma-informed care ensures interventions are delivered in ways that minimise re-traumatisation and encourage healing.
- Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a vital pillar of rehabilitation, focusing on developing or rebuilding the skills required for independent living. Occupational therapists at Inmind Healthcare work with individuals to identify personal strengths and areas where support is needed, whether in self-care, domestic activities, educational pursuits, or vocational goals. They often coordinate practical interventions such as cooking groups, budgeting workshops, and personal care guidance to equip service users with the skills necessary to thrive beyond inpatient care.
- Social Inclusion and Community Engagement
Developing and maintaining community connections is critical to sustaining mental wellbeing and avoiding isolation. Our services aim to facilitate social inclusion by supporting service users to participate in community activities, volunteering opportunities, or educational programmes. Our team also works with local community organisations to ensure smooth transitions once an individual is ready for external placements or day services.
- Group Work
Group-based interventions are an important way to practise social skills, offer peer support, and build confidence. Group therapy sessions might include topics such as anger management, relapse prevention, healthy relationships, or mindfulness. Peer-led groups, where individuals who have progressed in their recovery can share insights and encouragement, are also a key feature of our rehabilitation model.
Partnership with Families and Carers
1. Family Involvement
2. Education and Training
Families and carers can benefit from understanding the nature of their loved one’s mental health condition, triggers, and coping strategies. Psychoeducation sessions tailored for families can reduce misconceptions, alleviate stress, and improve communication. We see families and carers as crucial partners in ensuring a smooth transition to community living.
Support for Families
Caring for a loved one with complex mental health needs can be challenging. We therefore offer family support services, such as individual or group sessions, signposting to local resources, and ongoing liaison with other health or social care providers. By strengthening the family’s capacity to cope and communicate effectively, service users often experience more stable and nurturing relationships.
Risk Management and Safeguarding
Given the complexity and severity of mental health needs seen in Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation, robust risk management is of paramount importance. Each service user’s risk factors—be they self-harm, aggression, or vulnerability to exploitation—are thoroughly assessed on admission and reviewed regularly. This enables the team to put in place tailored measures for safety whilst avoiding excessive restriction.
2. Positive Risk-Taking
Recovery often involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone and trying new or challenging activities. At Inmind Healthcare, we practise a philosophy of positive risk-taking, acknowledging that service users must have opportunities to develop skills, test coping strategies, and experience autonomy. We strive to strike a balance between ensuring a safe environment and allowing sufficient freedom for personal growth and progress.
3. Safeguarding Policies
Our safeguarding policies align with statutory and regulatory guidelines, ensuring that any concerns or allegations of abuse are taken seriously and addressed promptly. All staff members undergo regular safeguarding training and are expected to act in accordance with our stringent organisational protocols.
Discharge Planning and Aftercare
The ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to enable service users to progress to more independent settings or return to their home environment where safe and feasible. Discharge planning at Inmind Healthcare commences as early as possible, typically shortly after admission, to ensure a clear trajectory of care. We work closely with local authorities, community mental health teams, housing associations, and other agencies to identify the most suitable post-discharge placement.
2. Trial Leave and Step-Down
Before a formal discharge, many individuals benefit from trial leave or step-down arrangements, allowing them to test their coping skills and adjust to a less supervised setting. During these periods, they remain under the care of Inmind Healthcare but spend increasing amounts of time in community-based placements or supported living arrangements. Any difficulties or setbacks can be addressed promptly, making the transition less abrupt.
3. Ongoing Support
Discharge is not the end of the recovery journey. We promote a structured aftercare plan, which may include outpatient therapy, community mental health team follow-ups, vocational support, or continued engagement with support networks. By providing a continuum of care, we minimise the risk of relapse and give service users the greatest possible chance of maintaining their gains in independence and wellbeing.
Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services provide a lifeline for individuals who require intensive, structured care to address their complex mental health needs. At Inmind Healthcare, we have developed a holistic, person-centred model that recognises the value of therapeutic relationships, evidence-based interventions, and partnership with families and communities. Our wards are designed not only to safeguard and stabilise but to foster growth, independence, and hope.
Through meticulous assessment and planning, a range of therapeutic activities, and a multidisciplinary approach, we ensure that every aspect of care is aligned with the service user’s personal goals. By focusing on recovery, skill-building, and social reintegration, we help individuals take progressive steps towards healthier, more fulfilling futures. From the moment someone is admitted, we work tirelessly to understand their unique needs and aspirations, supporting them in a nurturing environment where they can thrive.
As regulations and best practices evolve, Inmind Healthcare remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation. We will continue to invest in staff development, facility enhancements, and research-driven practice. Above all, we are guided by a fundamental ethos of compassion and respect, ensuring that everyone who enters our care feels valued, heard, and empowered on their journey to recovery.
If you would like further information about our Level 2 High Support Inpatient Rehabilitation Services or wish to make a referral, we warmly invite you to contact us. Together, we can explore how best to support you or your loved one in achieving a brighter, more independent future.
