Psychiatry. The physician as family therapist

Patients or families with emotional problems often ask for help or come to the physician's attention in other ways. For those with long-standing or severe problems, referral to an appropriate mental health resource is indicated. Many, however, are simply involved in situational upsets which have temporarily overwhelmed the family's ability to resolve problems. For these families, the physician can be an effective family therapist. Problems can often be dealt with quickly and successfully without disruption of normal office routine. Basic to the physician's providing effective help are knowledge of the effects of childhood experiences on later interactions within a family and honest self-evaluation as to ability and interest in undertaking family therapy.