Client as colleague

Therapeutic contracting with the seriously mentally ill

Bibliographic Data

ID18924250
AuthorsRobert Heinssen (Chestnut Hill College, corresponding author), Robert K Heinssen, Philip G Levendusky, Richard H Hunter
Year1995
Volume50
Issue7
Pages522-532
Publication date1995-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Psychologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0003-066X • E-ISSN: 1935-990X
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1037//0003-066x.50.7.522
PMID7625620
OpenAlexW2046979509
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited7

This article introduces the therapeutic contracting program as a comprehensive treatment system for persons with serious mental illness. Therapeutic contracting offers a promising framework for integrating medical, psychological, and social therapies in a manner that fosters clients' active involvement in treatment. This article outlines a multistage therapy program that mobilizes clients' adaptational resources through experimental interventions, structured goal-setting exercises, and skills-building experiences. Data illustrate the effectiveness of therapeutic contracting for (a) securing clients' treatment compliance, (b) promoting positive clinical outcomes, (c) reducing overall treatment costs. The therapeutic contracting model is discussed as a potential vehicle for expanding the professional role of psychologists in psychiatric settings, particularly in areas of clinical and administrative decision making

Compliance (psychology) · Mental health · Mental illness · Mentally ill · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Mental Health and Psychiatry · Psychiatric care and mental health services · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology