[On the Situation of Inpatient Forensic Psychotherapy in Germany - Results of a Survey in Forensic Psychiatric...

The Federal Constitutional Court has emphasized the necessity of psychotherapy for offenders. Little is known about the actual situation of this field of work. Thus, an online survey was initiated.The survey was conducted through an online portal. The heads of forensic psychiatric facilities have been asked to participate by completing a questionnaire.The elicitation provided data from 27 institutions. A large part of patients receive psychotherapeutic treatment. Psychotherapy is predominantly shaped by psychologists. The majority of institutions apply approaches derived from behavioral therapy. To a large extent, manualized and modular procedures are being used; most of them in group settings. One problem stems from personnel deficiencies, leading to psychotherapy not taking place on a regular basis or not being performed in accordance to the guidelines of treatment programs.The prior allegation - impositions of forensic measures being characterized by custodial detention - is no longer valid for a high number of forensic psychiatric services.