The Role of Companion Animals in Mental Health Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

By Nancy R. Gee, author of multiple publications on human-animal interactions, this book delves into the extensively documented bond between humans and animals, exploring its applications in modern mental health treatments.

Did you know that 70% of American households attest to the benefits of companion animals? Despite this, deciding whether to incorporate animal-based interventions for mental disorders can be a complex decision. This book provides a thorough examination of the existing evidence, highlighting both the benefits and risks associated with various types of programs.

Uncovering the Power of Human-Animal Interactions

This comprehensive volume combines rigorous research analysis with practical examples, covering essential topics such as:

• Ensuring animal welfare and well-being, with an emphasis on understanding applicable laws and regulations
• Animal-assisted crisis interventions for preventing PTSD in individuals who have experienced significant traumas, such as natural disasters
• Animal-assisted programs for youths at risk for mental disorders secondary to child maltreatment or contact with the juvenile justice system
• Human-animal interaction (HAI) in specific disorders, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression, dementia, and anxiety
• The application of HAIs in university campuses, hospital settings, and psychotherapy

Written for both trainees and experienced mental health professionals, this book offers a scientifically grounded review of extant knowledge while highlighting the unknowns about animal-based interventions in particular patient groups.

Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the role that animals can play in:

• Mitigating psychiatric symptoms
• Engaging patients in treatment
• Enhancing well-being

Moreover, this book provides key principles and considerations for determining whether an animal-based intervention is appropriate for a given patient.

Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Release Date: February 16, 2023
Language: English
ISBN: 9781615374557, 9781615374564