In case management, the stakes aren’t just high — they’re personal. When a single case manager is expected to support 30, 40, even 50 clients, it’s not a workload — it’s a warning sign. No one wins. Clients slip through the cracks. Staff burn out. And the very system meant to support people ends up failing them.
It’s not a test of endurance — it’s a structural flaw.
The Research Is Clear
Studies consistently show that caseloads under 20 lead to stronger, more sustainable outcomes:
- Clients receive more personalized and consistent support
- Case managers can build real relationships, not just manage paperwork
- Progress becomes intentional and measurable — not just reactive
What We Do Differently
That’s why Piphus Case Management keeps every case manager’s caseload under 20. It’s not just a policy — it’s a promise. Because we believe that real support requires time, trust, and presence.
When a case manager has the space to know each client well, they can:
- Respond more quickly
- Provide deeper, more meaningful assistance
- Help people move forward — not just stay afloat
This Isn’t Optional — It’s Critical
In high-need environments where every hour matters and every crisis can shift a life, smaller caseloads aren’t a luxury — they’re essential.
The question isn’t whether smaller caseloads are more effective. We know they are.
The real question is: Are we ready to build a system that truly works — for everyone?
At Piphus, we already are.
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References
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Lim, C. T., Caan, M., Kim, C. H., Chow, C., Leff, H. S., et al. (2021). Care Management for Serious Mental Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Psychiatric Services.
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Dieterich, M., Irving, C. B., Bergman, H., Khokhar, M. A., Park, B., et al. (2017). Intensive case management for severe mental illness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
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Slimmer, L. (2008). Review: effectiveness of intensive case management for severe mental illness depends on baseline hospital use and organisation. Evidence-Based Nursing.
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Swartz, M., Swanson, J., Wagner, H., Burns, B. J., Hiday, V., et al. (1999). Can involuntary outpatient commitment reduce hospital recidivism?: Findings from a randomized trial with severely mentally ill individuals. American Journal of Psychiatry.
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Franklin, J. L., Solovitz, B., Mason, M., Clemons, J. R., & Miller, G. (1987). An evaluation of case management. American Journal of Public Health.
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Marshall, M., Burns, T., Catty, J., Dash, M., Roberts, C., et al. (2007). Use of intensive case management to reduce time in hospital in people with severe mental illness: systematic review and meta-regression.
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Essock, S., Frisman, L., & Kontos, N. J. (1998). Cost-effectiveness of assertive community treatment teams. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.
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Hornstra, R., Bruce-Wolfe, V., Sagduyu, K., & Riffle, D. W. (1993). The effect of intensive case management on hospitalization of patients with schizophrenia. Hospital & Community Psychiatry.