In behavioral health case management, what does "case load" refer to?

"Case load" in behavioral health case management specifically refers to the number of clients assigned to a case manager for oversight and support. This concept is crucial in understanding how case managers allocate their time and resources to effectively meet the needs of each client. A manageable case load allows case managers to provide personalized attention and support, ensuring that each client's needs are addressed.

In the context of behavioral health, maintaining an appropriate case load is essential for quality care, as it can affect the frequency and depth of client interactions. Case managers must balance their responsibilities across their entire caseload, ensuring that no client is overlooked while still managing their own workload effectively.

The other options, while related to the responsibilities of a case manager, do not accurately define "case load." The amount of paperwork, weekly meeting hours, and budget allocations each represent different aspects of case management but do not encapsulate the concept of case load, which is strictly about the number of clients managed.