The lithium clinic: a new model for the delivery of psychiatric services

Advances in the diagnosis of recurrent affective disorders and consistently high levels of lithium prophylaxis have made it possible to treat manic-depressive disorders on an outpatient basis. The author describes the experiences and organization of a lithium clinic that has operated for 15 years. Utilizing the services of trained paramedicals and a small medical staff, the clinic has efficiently served a large patient population. The author suggests that centers using this model could serve the community by increasing the availability of specialized psychiatric care.