therapeutic community
Structured residential treatment model where clients participate in their own recovery and help treat others through community-based healing.
Full Definition
A treatment approach that uses the community itself as the primary therapeutic agent, with clients taking increasing responsibility for their own recovery and that of their peers. Therapeutic communities emphasize personal accountability, peer support, and graduated responsibility within a structured hierarchy. In treatment documentation, editors should distinguish therapeutic communities from other residential programs by their emphasis on peer-driven recovery and community governance structures.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize peer-driven and community-based aspects that distinguish from traditional residential treatment.
In Context
- "The therapeutic community model assigns clients progressive responsibilities as they advance through treatment phases." — Treatment program description
- "Therapeutic community effectiveness relies on peer accountability and community meetings rather than traditional individual therapy." — Research methodology