Abstract
Objective: To critically evaluate the place of structured psychotherapies in contemporary psychiatric practice.
Conclusions: Structured psychotherapies are a valuable intervention in psychiatrists’ management of mental illness and psychological distress. They enjoy the support of a solid evidence base of efficacy, although the information provided by empirical research is misleading if not balanced with the wisdom of clinical experience. These treatments do not represent a cost-effective alternative to longer-term therapies. In the hands of experienced clinicians, structured psychotherapies can be highly effective in a variety of practice settings and help to deliver quality mental health care along the bio-psycho-social model.