Therapeutic Communities and Mental Health System Reform

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.