The phrase “milieu therapy” was used by Dr. Mary White, one of Sullivan’s students.
In milieu therapy, every patient interaction could be an opportunity for growth.
Patients within a therapeutic milieu are expected to learn or re-learn skills that prepare them for independent living.

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Who Can Benefit from Milieu Therapy?
Milieu therapy can be applied to group, individual, inpatient, and outpatient prefs.
A Word from Verywell
We’re all affected by our living environment and our relationships.
We all deserve surroundings that support our well-being.
Learning about the principles behind milieu therapy could be a significant way toward building such a world for yourself.
Family therapy can be an important part of milieu therapy during treatment, including during residential stays.
Therapeutic milieu is a concept applied to several government programs.
Milieu therapy can be applied to multiple mental health conditions occurring at once (dual diagnosis).
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