Development of Psychiatric Residents as Psychotherapists: Effectiveness of a Psychotherapy Pathway.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and impact of participation by psychiatric residents in an academic institution's tiered psychotherapy pathway.

Methods: The authors invited pathway graduates who earned an area of distinction between 2013 and 2020 (N=22) to complete an anonymous online survey about their pathway experiences.

Results: Thirteen graduates (59%) responded to the survey. Most respondents (92%) agreed that participating in the pathway exposed them to many psychotherapy modalities, and most (92%) agreed that their participation facilitated an in-depth understanding of one or more psychotherapy modalities of personal interest. In written comments, respondents practicing across different settings noted that pathway participation had positively influenced their career development.

Conclusions: The survey results highlight the educational and professional benefits of developing a psychotherapy pathway for psychiatric residents with varying career plans.