Advancing Psychotherapy for the Next Generation

‘This lucid and accessible book confronts bias against therapies of depth, insight, and relationships – bias that threatens to undermine the credibility of the entire field and that fails those struggling with mental and substance use disorders. In a world facing a crisis in mental health, billions spent on pharmaceuticals, brain research, and treatment limited by insurance entities to crisis intervention, have failed to move the needle on outcomes. The authors offer a perspective reminding us that the rediscovered "social determinants of mental health" not only play a role in causation, but also in treatment. The book summarizes evidence for the effectiveness of long-term therapies and emphasizes the importance of human connection in treatment relationships within which individuals feel heard. Through their market research and focus groups, the authors show that most people want more than they are getting from quick fix, crisis-focused treatment – they want to feel deeply understood, not judged, and to be empowered by self-understanding to take charge of their lives. Kudos to the authors!’

Eric Plakun, medical director/CEO of the Austen Riggs Center, Stockbridge MA; founding leader, APA Psychotherapy Caucus

‘This landmark book is essential for everyone with an interest in mental health. It illuminates the powerful economic forces that are channeling patients toward the most superficial treatments and clarifies the numerous problems with this approach. To use a medical analogy, the prevailing system resembles treating a patient’s fever with aspirin because "evidence" shows the fever usually improves. But unless the cause of the fever can heal on its own, the patient’s real problems, those that caused the fever, will persist. Individually and collectively, we can do so much better. This book shows us why and how.’

David D. Clarke, president, Psychophysiologic Disorders Association and assistant director, Center for Ethics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

‘The mental health crises experienced throughout the world are all too evident these days. It is hard to know where to turn for answers. A good place to start is Advancing Psychotherapy for the Next Generation: Humanizing Mental Health Policy and Practice. In this edited volume, an ecumenical roster of clinicians, lawyers, MBAs, and physicians argue why we need to promote "therapies that stick" and describe how depth therapy not only makes good financial sense but how they advance our national wellbeing. We are all connected. This book shows us that such connection is both possible and worthwhile.’

Karen G. Foley, president & CEO, Juvenile Protective Association

‘Advancing Psychotherapy for the Next Generation: Humanizing Mental Health Policy and Practice offers a widely encompassing lens for the policies and practices shaping modern psychotherapy. With our society facing a youth mental health crisis and with parity in treatment yet to be achieved, the careful examinations provided by Nancy McWilliams, Farhad Dalal, Pratyusha Tummala-Narra, Susan G. Lazar, Kirk Schneider, Todd Essig, Bill Meyer, Meiram Bendat, and other notable authors, are invaluable.’

Amy Lauren Kennedy, The Kennedy Forum