Psychotherapy

Historically, there have been significant misperceptions regarding the effectiveness ofpsychotherapy when working with patients with intellectual disabilities (ID). From the1950s through the 1980s, despite some limited research in this area, the amount ofliterature being published was minimal, and the stereotype persisted that this specializedpopulation could not benefit from psychotherapy. In fact, the majority of research on theprovision of psychotherapy to individuals with ID during this time span concluded that ithad no benefit at all, and indicated that there were no substantial differences in outcomeswhen treatment was provided (Prout & Browning, 2011). A lack of information andeducation to clinicians contributed to the absence of appropriate mental health services forpersons with ID