On the Treatment of the Poor

The poor patient with his special needs requires special psychiatric treatment. In the past, clinics have not considered this fact and have rejected them too often as unsuitable or unmotivated. We have learned some treatment techniques in listening to our patients and in considering the contributions of others. Thus we have developed techniques for a flexible, active, brief, supportive and reality-oriented treatment approach. These techniques include changes in administrative procedures such as appointment scheduling and in efforts to create a warm, friendly social context in which to offer help. We have modified group therapy and have focused on not only insight but education, social interaction and group support. Minimal supportive therapy with drugs as indicated serves a portion of our patient population. With all these changes, the responses of our patients have been much more often enthusiastic than those of our professional colleagues. We trust that with experience they will also see the efficacy of treatment specifically planned for these poor patients.