Development of Psychiatric Residents as Psychotherapists: Effectiveness of a Psychotherapy Pathway.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and impact of participation by psychiatric residents in an academic institution's tiered psychotherapy pathway. The authors invited pathway graduates who earned an area of distinction between 2013 and 2020 (N=22) to complete an anonymous online survey about their pathway experiences. Thirteen graduates (59%) responded to the survey. Most respondents (92%) agreed that participating in the pathway exposed them to many psychotherapy modalities, and most (92%) agreed that their participation facilitated an in-depth understanding of one or more psychotherapy modalities of personal interest. In written comments, respondents practicing across different settings noted that pathway participation had positively influenced their career development. The survey results highlight the educational and professional benefits of developing a psychotherapy pathway for psychiatric residents with varying career plans.