Time-limited therapy in a Community Mental Health Team setting

This study examines time-limited therapy in a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) setting. This work is a key tension for CMHTs who are under pressure to focus on clients with a serious mental illness as a priority as opposed to clients who might be deemed the 'psychologically distressed'. The development of CMHTs in the UK is described. Limited research on time-limited therapy in a CMHT setting is identified. Results suggest that time-limited therapy has a positive impact on the mental health needs of clients referred to a CMHT by GPs. It is concluded that it is appropriate to justify the use of time-limited therapy in a CMHT-based setting. Suggestions for further research are made.