In view of the wide-spread interest in Community Psychiatry, the Committee on Social Problems, chaired by Dr. Edward Joseph, has undertaken to formulate a statement on the role of psychoanalysis in the movement toward broad mental health programs. The statement was considered at the recent meeting of the Executive Council, where it was felt that there should be further discussion in the local Societies before final formulation of a public statement.
The gist of the proposed statement is as follows:
The great pressure for rapid action to meet pressing mental health needs should not be allowed to obscure the need for careful study and research.
The psychoanalyst, with his focus on individual psychic structure and unconscious conflict, can bring an added dimension to the study of mental health problems. Armed with his specialized experience, he may collaborate with colleagues in other disciplines in a variety of ways, whether through joint research, in therapy, supervision, or consultation, in devising new techniques of intervention—or in general, finding ways to apply psychoanalytic knowledge to mental health problems in the community.
Psychoanalysis, as a form of individual therapy and as a tool for research in the better understanding of human behavior will continue to play an important role and make its own contribution to all aspects of psychiatry and the behavioral sciences.
The psychoanalyst can best contribute to the understanding of community problems by maintaining the integrity of his special viewpoint.
The final formulation of a statement on Community Psychiatry will be discussed at the May meeting of the Executive Council.