Preparation for treatment of the disadvantaged patient: Effects on disposition and outcome.

Effects of a brief orientation of lower-class patients to the initial psychiatric interview, and a similar preparation of psychiatric residents, were compared to control patients and residents not differentially prepared. Findings relating to disposition and outcome support the authors' contention that reduction of social distance has salutary effects in making psychotherapy more accessible to disadvantaged patients. Significance of these findings for operation of a walk-in clinic serving a lower-class population are discussed.