The Kiva project

Abstract

The treatment program for patients involved in the Kiva Project was individualized. Growth was reinforced and regression was accepted as a natural part of the treatment process. Discharge was never discussed until the patient indicated readiness to leave the hospital and willingness to undertake a particular placement opportunity in the community. Rehospitalization, if it occurred was considered a part of the process and the staff continued to be supportive of the patient regardless of whether or not they remained in the Department of Mental Health system. As of March, 1993, 21 patients had been successfully discharged to the community. Eleven of these patients have been out of the hospital for more than a year, and three for as long as six years. In financial terms, this means a savings in the long-term institutional care of these patients as opposed to more cost-effective outpatient services. The Project currently serves 17 patients. It continues to be a viable treatment modality for the Division of Psychiatric Rehabilitation.