A group psychotherapy model for acute treatment settings.

Abstract

Traditional models of group psychotherapy have become less applicable in inpatient and partial hospital programs as the lengths of stay in these programs have decreased. Shorter lengths of stay are associated with rapid changes in group membership and high levels of symptoms among group members. The clinical objectives and clinical techniques suggested by traditional group models are simply less relevant under these conditions. In this paper the authors outline a model of group psychotherapy designed to meet the needs of acutely ill patients and accommodate to the demands of the short-term acute-care setting. Drawing on previous research that has identified the therapeutic factors that operate in these groups, the authors offer specific recommendations regarding group structure, therapist role, and clinical technique.