title: The therapeutic use of postcards in a mental health support group.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this project was to provide some group support for mental health patients in a general practice that employed a Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program nurse.
  
  
  METHODS
  Group members were involved in the development of the group and in the setting of its rules and goals. Postcards were used to invite members to each meeting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No ill effects resulted from the use of postcards and they served as a valued way to recognize individuals within the group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This use of postcards proved therapeutic in unexpected ways and was very well accepted.
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) Nurse at Integral Health Armidale, NSW, Australia anna.treloar@newcastle.edu.au.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Treloar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D058006:General Practice; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program; mental health; postcards; support group