Control of Behavior as a Crucial Factor in Intensive Psychiatric Treatment in an All Adolescent Ward

It is not only difficult but would be impossible to meet the challenge presented by these youngsters if we were not able to enjoy a genuine and mutually supportive interest in working with them. This program has been developed as a highly cooperative, closely coordinated effort on the part of the entire staff. Particular emphasis has been placed on attempting to establish a ward atmosphere in which intensive individual and group psychotherapy can be conducted against a background of dynamic social reality, rather than in the kind of environment which licenses the "crazy, mixed-up" behavior of hopelessly wayward youth.