Creating, operating, and maintaining an effective therapeutic environment is an educational topic typically not found in the curriculum of an advanced degree in the field of mental health. Such lessons are learned in the "school of hard knocks"-long after the degree has been awarded.

In this book, Jared Balmer, Mike Bulloch, and Kimball DeLaMare provide insights into the challenges of operating a variety of therapeutic milieus. In turn, they discuss ways to prevent or meet, head on, a host of distractive forces in the milieu process.

Drawing on their vast experience, the authors identify seven critical areas that must be considered when charged with operating a supportive milieu. The strength of their recommendations will support and improve the functioning of programs within the mental health field.