The waiting-list group

This report describes a Pilot study of a waiting-list group (preliminary pr ocess group [PPG]) that provided treatment for applicants to a university a ffiliated, urban mental health center. All individuals on the treatment wai ting list were informed of the PPG. This semistructured group, meeting week ly, began with members presenting their problems, followed by free discussi on, and ending with goal setting for the next week. Approximately one seven th (35 out of 262) of the clinic's applicants during 4 1/2-month period cho se to enter the PPG. They differed from those who chose not to participate (wait list) by being older and less educated. Approximately 80% of both wai t-list and PPG participants subsequently entered therapy. Significantly mor e PPG patients than those on the wait list entered group treatment. The PPG served clinic needs by providing prompt service for self selected individu als and by supporting the group therapy program.