[Behavior therapy].

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy
• Medical Health Systems

Background:

• The integration of psychotherapeutic methods into West Germany's medical health system is under review.
• Behavioral therapy's classification as a distinct psychotherapeutic method is questioned.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate whether behavioral therapy can be considered a distinct psychotherapeutic method.
• To assess the theoretical and practical basis of behavioral therapy for inclusion in the medical health system.

Main Methods:

• Review of the scientific literature on behavioral therapy.
• Analysis of theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of various behavioral procedures.

Main Results:

• Behavioral therapy is identified as a conglomerate of procedures lacking a common theoretical or practical basis.
• Many included procedures are pragmatic, symptom-oriented, and insufficiently tested.
• Lack of standardized, validated methods and inadequate training for practitioners are noted.

Conclusions:

• Behavioral therapy, in its current form, does not meet the criteria for a distinct, legitimate psychotherapeutic method.
• A catalogue of acceptable procedures and standardized, comprehensive training are necessary prerequisites for its acceptance.
• Professional psychologists acting as behavioral therapists require specialized training and foundational mental health science education.