Barbara Dickey1, Norma C Ware. 1. Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, USA. barbara_dickey@hms.harvard.edu
Abstract
TOPIC: The contemporary relevance of therapeutic communities as a treatment modality in mental health is described. METHODS: This paper builds upon on a qualitative study to provide a case illustration of a working therapeutic community for persons with serious mental illness. SOURCES USED: The data are seventeen interviews conducted with staff and residents and observations carried out during four days of field work by the research team. CONCLUSIONS: Studies are needed to determine whether therapeutic communities strengthen consumer capacity for social integration and thus contribute to empowerment and the larger recovery agenda.
TOPIC: The contemporary relevance of therapeutic communities as a treatment modality in mental health is described. METHODS: This paper builds upon on a qualitative study to provide a case illustration of a working therapeutic community for persons with serious mental illness. SOURCES USED: The data are seventeen interviews conducted with staff and residents and observations carried out during four days of field work by the research team. CONCLUSIONS: Studies are needed to determine whether therapeutic communities strengthen consumer capacity for social integration and thus contribute to empowerment and the larger recovery agenda.