Das Boot gGmbH

Outpatient sociotherapy is covered by state funded medical aid and is intended to enable people suffering from severe mental illnesses to take advantage of medically prescribed services. Participants in outpatient sociotherapy are given the necessary support to enable them to live a largely independent lifestyle. Especially after a crisis or long hospital treatment, outpatient sociotherapy provides patients with the tools needed to transition to living in the community and maintaining a good treatment plan.

Support

The sociotherapeutic support is carried out exclusively by highly qualified specialists:

our sociotherapists are usually social workers with many years of professional experience in the field of psychiatry and have undergone additional training in comprehensive outpatient counseling and monitoring of people with mental illness.

Therapy and methods

Outpatient sociotherapy serves as a liaison and guide between the many available care facilities. We work towards developing, adapting and coordinating the various options in order to create a personalized network of assistance best suited to the needs of the patient. Participation in outpatient   sociotherapy can help prevent the occurrence of new diseases and assist in developing coping mechanisms for possible future crises. It also encourages the patient to take advantage of healthy resources that are beneficial to both the individual and the environment. By making use of the varied means of assistance available and by developing the patient’s personal capabilities, outpatient sociotherapy does the following:

• Patients with mental impairment are given practical exercises and cognitive training to help improve motivation, resilience, and perseverance. Education and psychoeducation work towards improving the perception of the disease by helping to recognize crises (early warning signs) and avoid relapses. They also promote the adoption of healthy mental and physical habits.
• Patients with functional disabilities (social disability) are helped through social skills training, the arrangement of complementary aid, and family or occupational therapy.
• Patients with social impairments (handicaps) are given the opportunity to learn and develop professional skills and work habits in an appropriate setting. They are also given training on how to structure their daily activities, develop various life skills and manage conflict.

Regulation of Outpatient Sociotherapy

In accordance with the guidelines set by the Federal Committee of Physicians and Health Insurances, outpatient sociotherapy can be prescribed by psychiatric or neurology specialists for patients suffering from psychosis or depression associated with psychotic symptoms. A family practitioner may also arrange a consultation.

Specific treatment goals are worked out with patients and then coordinated with the attending physicians according to the treatment plan. The duration of the treatment depends on the services offered by the health insurance companies. Generally, 120 hours can be offered over a period of 2 to 3 years. The number of sessions per week depends on the patients' needs.