Social Institutions as Therapeutic Communities

The psychiatric literature contains numerous references to the possible use of established social institutions as therapeutic communities. However, very little data is now available concerning the implementation of these programs. This paper deals with three such programs; the military and the school, which have been formed, practiced and followed up, and the church for which a specific plan is presented. It was necessary to integrate several theoretical approaches in order to obtain the necessary control over the patient's environment. It is hoped this will lead others to initiate programs whereby ongoing social institutions may be made more therapeutic.