title: Outpatient group psychotherapy for the elderly: an alternative to institutionalization.
abstract: Two case studies illustrate the positive effects of group psychotherapy for elderly outpatients of a municipal hospital in an industrial community of Baltimore. Most of the outpatients were depressed about physical, mental, or social losses. A total of five brief therapy groups were established. Each group had a maximum of 12 members and met in the hospital for an hour and a half once a week for 12 consecutive weeks. Members could continue in subsequent 12-week sessions if they desired. As a result of their participation in groups, many members became involved in volunteer or part-time work, renewed contact with family and friends, and were better able to deal with life's stresses.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric