An Archaeological Project for Inpatient Psychiatry

Authors

  • Bon Raynor

Keywords:

Archaeology, Psychiatry, Community Service, Collaboration, Innovative Program

Abstract

An archaeological project with psychiatric patients was planned and implemented in Charleston, S.C. There was an integration oftreatment and archaeological objectives. The project  was unique for  several reasons: psychiatric inpatients participated in the archaeological process as part oftheir treatment program; the study was accomplished scientifically via the involvement of professional arcnaeologists;and the excavation site was the location of a new inpatient psychiatric  facility. Patient response indicated successful outcomes of the treatment objectives. Excavation was also completed within the time limits imposed by the start of construction. The project generated significant positive publicity for the involved institutions. The efficacy ofcommunity service as a part ofan inpatient psychiatric program seemed to be demonstrated by the project.

Published

1987-04-01

Issue

Section

Issues