Effectiveness of a women's mental health treatment program: a pilot study

This exploratory pilot study sought to determine the effectiveness of a Women's Mental Health Treatment Program. This program was offered in a women's unit within a private psychiatric hospital and advertised as a way to help women deal with problems and issues unique to their gender. Twenty-six women responded to a survey questionnaire that explored their quality of life, social support network, ratings of the program, and feelings of self-esteem after discharge. These women were admitted for depression, anxiety attacks, marital problems, and eating disorders. Overall results pointed to the effectiveness of the program as indicated by the women's positive ratings of their current life situation, self-esteem, ability to resume work after discharge, and written appreciative comments. The various therapies rated as effective as part of the program treatment package were group therapy, individual therapy, assertiveness training, victim survivor, steps study, and esteem building.