Psychotherapy in a mental hygiene clinic

Summary and Conclusions

• 1. Psychotherapy in a mental hygiene clinic faces many problems not encountered in private practice. One of the greastest problems is that of poor motivation for treatment on the part of the patient as well as lack of sufficient enthusiasm on the part of the therapist.

• 2. Outpatient clinic psychotherapy is a necessity largely “supportive” in nature. This is nevertheless sound, in that, by this means, patients get relief from their anxieties as well as support, so that at the very least they may remain employable and socially functioning.

• 3. Mental hygiene clinics reduce the need for hospitalization in many instances.

• 4. In an outpatient situation, analytically-trained and oriented therapists apparently do not provide any better therapy or produce better results than therapists not so trained or qualified.

• 5. Formal residency training in psychiatry appears not to have produced better therapists as far as the experience of this clinic is concerned.

• 6. Intangible factors such as the personality of the therapist and the latter's attitude toward the effectiveness of his treatment, are vital elements leading to good results.

• 7. Psychotherapy isa medical function and responsiblity.