Perceptions of the importance of physical setting in substance abuse treatment

Research indicates that architectural design can provide therapeutic effects. Six setting characteristics are considered of primary importance in health-care facilities: comforts and conveniences, safety, attractiveness, size, privacy, and arrangement/location. This study presents the perceptions regarding these and other setting features held by female clients and staff from a substance abuse treatment facility. Results support the importance of these six setting characteristics in influencing clients' treatment goals. Four other setting variables emerged as important to women's recovery: participation in a residential, drug-free, gender-specific program that provides on-site child care. Attention to these variables may provide facilities with an advantage in today's competitive market for clients.