Background and Significance

Milieu therapy has developed from the improvements in mental health care. Starting with the Moral Treatment Movement of the 19th century, mental health care evolved from basic humane care to comprehensive, evidence-based practices. Abrams (1969) described milieu therapy as a therapeutic community where the environment itself is used to support treatment.

 

Over time, practitioners like Gunderson (1970s) formalized its principles, emphasizing structured routines, supportive relationships, and intentional interactions. Understanding this history highlights the importance of intentionally shaping the therapeutic community and how milieu therapy effectively achieves this goal.