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.