Psychotherapies with the mentally retarded

The need for psychotherapy with the mentally retarded is evident from the high prevalence of emotional disturbance in this group. Psychotherapy can be done following the same general principles as with nonretarded persons, with modifications for the level of cognitive and language skills. Psychotherapy is effective for a broad range of problems, especially in the area of social skills. In an era of increased community placement, this area becomes an important focus for the prevention of further emotional disturbance. The paucity of research to date indicates that the various forms of psychotherapy with the mentally retarded produce favorable results. The overall outcome maximizes the contribution of the retarded to society and minimizes family pathology. Further evaluation and more systematic studies are greatly needed in order to sensitize professionals and society at large to the undeveloped potential of the retarded and their response to this form of intervention.