What does stepped care aim to provide?

Stepped care is a model designed to provide the most appropriate level of support by starting with the least resource-intensive treatment that is effective for the individual's needs. This approach emphasizes gradually escalating intervention as necessary, rather than immediately opting for more intensive or costly services. By doing this, stepped care aims to maximize treatment effectiveness while minimizing resource use, allowing patients to receive care that aligns with their severity of symptoms and personal circumstances.

For instance, a person experiencing mild perinatal mood disorders might start with self-help advice or counseling, and if that proves insufficient, the next step could be a more structured therapeutic approach or medication. This method encourages a personalized approach to care, ensuring that individuals are not overwhelmed with intensive services when they might benefit from less intense interventions first. Additionally, it helps in managing healthcare costs effectively while aiming to achieve optimal outcomes for the patient.