Retention and outcome at ACI, a unique therapeutic community

A study was conducted of retention and outcome of the first 100 clients at ACI, a therapeutic community in New York City that is unique in its combination of a relatively short treatment cycle, fee for service funding, early reentry, use of guided scream therapy and bonding, and implementation of the Casriel theory of the New Identity Process. Retention rates at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were 95%, 90%, 86%, and 80%, respectively. Excellent or good outcomes were achieved by 80 clients. Some reasons for these very favorable results are discussed, in terms of previous studies of therapeutic community procedures and results.