WHERE IS HERE AND WHEN IS NOW - THE ADAPTATIONAL CHALLENGE OF MENTAL-HEALTH REFORM FOR GROUP-PSYCHOTHERAPY

The structure of health care delivery is in a period of rapid change. An understanding of psychotherapy service use patterns indicates the i mportance of time categories as well as the relevance of group techniq ues. Traditional interpersonal and psychodynamic group techniques may be modified for time-limited use without sacrificing basic values and with demonstrated effectiveness. Adapting to a more fiscally stringent practice environment requires the clinician to undertake a difficult process of transition. As professionals our task is to prepare ourselv es for this challenge and to let the health care system know that prop er practice guidelines are necessary to achieve effective treatment fo r our patients.