The Importance of Structure and Connection for People Living With Schizophrenia: A 33-Year Outpatient Group Experience

This paper evaluates an outpatient group for persons living with schizophrenia. Qualitative changes and psychiatric admissions among group members were reviewed to measure recovery. Thirty-two members have attended sessions for up to 28 years. Meaningful interactions (e.g., supportive comments) have increased and hospitalizations have decreased. The support of the therapists and the other group members has allowed for personal recovery and developing and maintaining social connections. Prior to starting the group, 67% of members had > 1 hospitalization and 26% had none. During the group, 63% of members had no hospitalizations. Vignettes of change, peer support, fewer hospital admissions, and signs of recovery in the face of crises suggest that members benefit greatly from this outpatient group.