what is psychiatric rehabilitation?

In practice, there is little to distinguish between psychiatric rehabilitation and psychosocial rehabilitation, and in our view the terminologies can be used interchangeably.

After reviewing 55 articles and books on psychosocial rehabilitation, Leona Bachrach concluded "several approaches that define themselves as psychosocial rehabilitation appear to share a core of common concepts and values. Whether the discipline is being practiced in a hospital, a community mental health center, a shelter for homeless persons, or some other site; whether it is based on a skills-training or clubhouse approach; or whether it is pursued in the care of old long-stay or new chronic patients, there are enough similarities in outlook among the various schools of psychosocial rehabilitation."

She defined psychosocial rehabilitation as "a therapeutic approach that encourages a mentally ill person to develop his or her fullest capacities through learning and environment supports."

Bachrach's definition of psychosocial rehabilitation has some significance to PRA as she identifies PRA's consumer base. Equally important is the fact that her definition articulates the holistic concept of rehabilitation that PRA has adhered to over the years.

PRA is committed to the psychosocial philosophy but not to a single
model of rehabilitation. We believe that to lock into a 'model' of
rehabilitation deprives our programs of the flexibility they need,
and our membership of the freedom and choice it deserves.
As the prestigious International Association of Psychosocial
Rehabilitation Services (since renamed USPRA) recently
stated: "By offering only one approach we limit consumer
choice and the likelihood of meeting individual needs.
As time passes a certain level of dissatisfaction grows
because one model, no matter how effective it may
be, does not serve all persons with serious mental
illness".

PRA advocates for a diversity of rehabilitation models
in any mental health system. This allows people to
choose the services which best fit their needs at
any point in time.