Contrary to the current vogue, the author argues that brief hospitalization should provide considerable psychotherapy in order to prepare the patient for long-term out-patient

care. This preparation should concentrate on (1) clarifying the history so as to stimulate motivation, (2) resolving the problems which precipitated hospitalization, (3) utilizing hospital services to restructure ego defects, (4) helping the patient to achieve control over suicidal, addictive, and other forms of destructive behavior, and (5) instructing him in the 'ground rules' for psychotherapy. If these goals are kept firmly in mind, a short hospitalization can do more than treat acute psychoses with somatic therapies. It can initiate a long-term treatment process in the community with the prospect of achieving significant behavioral change.