Group psychotherapy in an HMO

Group psychotherapy is often the treatment of choice with appropriate patients, because of its clinical utility and efficacy as well as possible cost-effectiveness. Common elements of short-term group therapy are reviewed, and different forms of group therapy practiced within the HMO context are discussed. Attention is also called to the value of group therapy for providing cost-sensitive treatment to more chronically impaired psychiatric patients who may require extended supportive care. The relationship between various health care delivery structures (staff/group versus IPA/PPO models) and the provision of group treatments is emphasized, as is the importance of developing a group therapy program as part of a comprehensive mental health service.