A therapeutic group for clients with acute mental health problems

A therapeutic group for clients with acute mental health problems is described using a case study research design. The setting of the group is a British community mental health centre. Theoretical and research approaches to brief therapeutic work with clients are discussed. Results include qualitative descriptions of the group from the perspective of various respondents and quantitative descriptions of client attendance. The group was evaluated positively by respondents and high attendance rates indicated that the group met clients' needs. The group was primarily utilized by professionals as an addition to present services rather than as an alternative to in-patient hospitalization. However, in practice many of the clients needed some degree of professional support after ceasing to attend the group. In this study, the establishment of a therapeutic group for clients with acute mental health problems improved inter-professional relations. The ability to facilitate therapeutic groups is an important competence for mental health nurses.