A description and evaluation of an outpatient intensive psychotherapy center

The intensive psychotherapy center described and evaluated in this paper is unique because of its intensity and the fact that available treatment modalities are integrated into the program. Pateints are literally immersed in therapy on a full-time basis for an average of 3 weeks. Assessment of the program through the use of questionnaires completed by 335 patients at the time of discharge showed significant improvement in their presenting symptoms, interpersonal relationships, ability to work, and general level of comfort. An 8-month follow-up study of 171 patients revealed that this improvement was retained.