Integrating Community Psychiatry and Psychodynamic Theory in a Residency Training Program

Although psychodynamic theory and community psychiatry have frequently been considered antithetical concepts, the authors consider them to be mutually interdependent. They believe both should be included in residency training programs to properly prepare psychiatrists for decision-making and problem-solving in both the clinical (psychodynamic) and administrative (community psychiatry) areas, and thus assure that they develop the ability to lead the mental health team. A residency program that integrates the two concepts is described.