Psychoeducation can be a powerful tool to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Incorporated into clinical care, it can support individual autonomy, promote empowerment and engagement in treatment, strengthen therapeutic alliance, increase awareness of mental illness, decrease stigma, and improve health care related outcomes. Although widely recognized as an important component of treatment, psychoeducation is often a nebulous concept with few consolidated guidelines for practice. This article defines psychoeducation in terms of its basic components, rationale and goals, and use as a discrete medical intervention in its own right. The evidence base that supports the efficacy of psychoeducation in various settings is examined. Recommendations and guidelines for the application of psychoeducation in daily clinical practice are also discussed.
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Psychiatr Ann
. 2016;46(5):286–292.]
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