Group therapy for schizophrenia: combining and expanding the psychoeducational model with supportive psychotherapy

Combining psychoeducation and supportive psychotherapy resulted in a successful group experience for schizophrenics in a long-term care setting within a Veterans Administration Medical Center. This article describes the two approaches and discusses the ways in which they were combined and enhanced in a structured manner. A case study is presented and practice implications are explored. Important accomplishments and behavioral changes were observed in group members participating in this group. Schizophrenics with problematic behavioral histories and recurrent active psychoses were able to participate productively, work toward greater independence and achieve community living.