therapeutic pass

Full Definition

A therapeutic pass is a planned, temporary absence from the psychiatric hospital designed to assess patient functioning in community settings or provide specific therapeutic experiences. Passes may include visits home, job interviews, apartment hunting, or attending community meetings. The pass requires physician approval, specific objectives, safety planning, and post-pass evaluation. Documentation must include pass duration, supervision level, specific goals, emergency contacts, and patient's performance during the absence.

Usage

Usage note: Distinguish from unauthorized absence; implies planned therapeutic intervention with specific measurable goals.

In Context

• "The patient's therapeutic pass to attend their daughter's graduation was approved for six hours with family supervision." — Treatment plan documentation
• "Post-therapeutic pass evaluation noted patient's increased anxiety but successful medication compliance during community exposure." — Clinical assessment