Am J Psychiatry 1977; 134:401-406
Copyright © 1977 by American Psychiatric Association
Behavior therapy in a community mental health center
RP Liberman and E Bryan 3d
Behavioral principles offer an operational model for the services of a
community mental health center. A demonstration and clinical research
project adapted behavior analysis and therapy to the problems, patients,
staff, and setting a typical comprehensive community mental health center.
Innovations in the day hospital included a credit incentive system,
educational workshops for community adaptation, and a goal-attainment
method of planning and evaluating individual treatment. Behavior therapy
was introduced for outpatients with anxiety and depression, marital
conflict, and deficits in social skills. Consultation and education
programs were established for parents, schools, and other community
agencies. Experimental and evaluative research has documented the
effectiveness of these programs.
