Shina Theimer reflects proudly on the progress she made while receiving Tailored Care Management (TCM) services through Monarch. At one point, Shina believed that heavy drinking and sleeping through her days might numb the pain and depression she was experiencing. Instead, her challenges grew and her world felt like it was crumbling.
With support from Medicaid’s TCM services, Shina, a Raleigh resident, found a path to recovery. Her outlook became brighter and her motivation grew as she explored job opportunities and rediscovered the joy in life.
Beginning the Journey with TCM
In April 2021, Shina participated in North Carolina’s pilot TCM program. She began receiving services from Monarch’s Wake TCM team, which included Care Manager Amy Eisenman.
“Now, I look forward to each day,” Shina shared during her care journey. “The fact that I have another day and who knows what I can do with it?”
Shina credited her strong support system, including her husband, daughter, and Care Manager Amy. She committed to becoming a role model for her daughter by continuing treatment for alcohol use disorder and depression while accessing resources for autism spectrum disorder.
How TCM Works
Tailored Care Management is a Medicaid service designed to coordinate care for people with mental health challenges and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The goal is to improve well-being and overall quality of life.
At Monarch, TCM Care Managers and Extenders create personalized wellness plans for people who need support. Referrals for the service are made through Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Amy explained her role as a Care Manager, saying it focused on care coordination. This includes working with a member’s care team, such as medication providers, physicians, pharmacists and hospital social workers.
Recovery and Positive Outcomes
Shina spoke candidly about the impact of TCM and her Care Manager: “You are lifesaving. You are saving lives and our children have a chance. My daughter does not have a drunk for a mom anymore.”
Together, Shina and Amy worked on goals such as finding a therapist who fit Shina’s needs, addressing employment challenges and resolving transportation barriers. Amy also assisted Shina in accessing community resources to support her recovery and well-being.
Care Managers like Amy often face challenges in connecting individuals with affordable housing and other essential resources. Amy emphasized the importance of getting out into the community to better understand the needs of the people she served.
Shina’s progress was evident. She gained confidence, secured employment and maintained her sobriety. “I am proud of her, and more importantly, she is proud of herself,” Amy shared.
A Bright Future Ahead
Amy believes Shina’s recovery and healing set her on a path toward a fulfilling future. “My hope for Shina is to find employment that brings her contentment and meets the needs of her personality. It seems everything is falling into place for her,” Amy noted.
Shina remained active in her recovery, often researching information to support her healing. “Amy is like having an insider or anchor. She has been more helpful than anyone I have ever worked with, and I am grateful she chose this kind of work,” Shina expressed.
When asked about her future, Shina said, “Employment is a big thing, maintaining my sobriety and being self-motivated. I know myself better now.”
Learn More About TCM
Monarch’s TCM services support recovery and improve quality of life for individuals with mental health needs and I/DD. For more information about Monarch’s TCM services, call (866) 272-7826 or visit our website.
Watch a video about Shina’s experience with TCM on Monarch’s YouTube channel here to see how these services make a difference in people’s lives.