When dealing with a psychiatric patient showing resistance to treatment, what strategy is most effective for social workers?

Developing a practical out-of-hospital plan is essential when working with a psychiatric patient who shows resistance to treatment. This strategy focuses on engaging the patient in their own care and providing them with tools and support they can use outside of a therapeutic setting. By co-creating a plan, social workers can foster a sense of collaboration and ownership, which may help in reducing resistance and enhancing the patient’s commitment to their treatment.

This approach emphasizes the importance of meeting the patient's needs in their daily life and facilitating their adjustment in a more holistic manner. By addressing real-world challenges and practicalities related to the patient's environment, social workers can promote a sense of stability and continuity, which is crucial for mental health recovery.

In contrast, intensive counseling sessions alone may lead to overwhelm and further resistance, as patients can feel pressured. Confrontational therapy can exacerbate defensiveness and lead to a breakdown in the therapeutic alliance. Immediate referral to a psychiatrist, while sometimes necessary, may not address the underlying issues of resistance and can disrupt the connection between patient and social worker, making it difficult to maintain an ongoing therapeutic relationship.