Milieu therapy under the primary caretaker system at the University of Michigan's Children's Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

The inpatient service at the University of Michigan's Children's Psychiatric Hospital is a multidisciplined program whose purpose is to create a therapeutic milieu in which emotionally disturbed children can live while being effectively treated. The work of the primary staff as milieu therapist on the ward is a key factor in the success or failure of many cases. This paper describes the therapeutic milieu, the primary caretaker system of staffing, and the specific role of the primary staff as milieu therapist at the hospital.