This study explored the effectiveness of homebound family therapy in preventing rehospitalization of patients with a major psychiatric disorder and did a comparative analysis between German-American patients residing in the Greater Ridgewood Area and the Greek-American patients residing in the Astoria-Long Island City area.

Homebound family therapy was provided for seven German-American patients and their families and for five Greek-American patients and their families. Patients were selected from the state's hospital inpatient wards or outpatient clinics. The patients were diagnosed with a major psychiatric disorder, had one previous hospitalization and were between the ages of 18-65. The patients were in the program for a minimum of one year, and all but one remained longer at the patient's and family's request. After one year, 86% or six of the German-Americans and 80% or four of the Greek-Americans remained out of the hospital. In year two, 34% or two of the German-Americans and 60% or three of the Greek-Americans remained out of the hospital. Of those hospitalized 50% were noncompliant in taking their medication. Rehospitalization was avoided in 33% or four of the patients who started to relapse because of prompt intervention by the study team. Alcohol and drug abuse was reported in 71% or five of the German-American patients, but none of the Greek-American patients reported alcohol or drug abuse. This was probably a factor in the higher hospitalization rate for the German-American patients. A criminal history was reported in 28% or two of the German-American patients but in none of the Greek-American patients.

All treatment took place in the patient's home. The principal investigator, a nurse anthropologist, was the family therapist. The psychiatrist evaluated the patients and prescribed medication. The patients and families developed more effective problem solving abilities, better communication skills, and learned about the latest advances in the treatment and etiology of mental illness. This was a factor in reducing the patient's and family's stress level. Specific family therapy treatment approaches were developed to be used with the German-American families versus the Greek-American families.