The treatment programme of the Inpatient Behavioural Therapy Unit (VTS) is aimed at people who, due to the impact of a mental health condition, are no longer able to manage their daily lives and therefore require inpatient treatment. The VTS specialises in the treatment of individuals with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias and pain disorders. Reducing pronounced avoidance behaviour and building social skills in the context of other mental health conditions are also key areas of treatment.

The VTS offers patients intensive cognitive behavioural therapy based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Patients are supported in developing and practising ways of managing distressing thoughts, feelings and physical sensations in a sustainable way. The aim of treatment is to reduce avoidance behaviour and to help patients act in accordance with what is truly important to them in their daily lives. The highest priority is improving individual quality of life.

In addition to group and individual psychotherapy sessions, treatment is complemented by further medical and therapeutic interventions (e.g. sport, art, aroma, and music therapy), as well as, where necessary, guideline-based and evidence-based pharmacological treatment. Treatment goals are defined individually with each patient.

The VTS was one of the first inpatient units worldwide to structure its treatment concept according to ACT and continues to serve as a model for other ACT-based inpatient units across Europe.

Further information:

• OCD Country: https://www.ocdland.com/
• Swiss Society for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: https://www.zwaenge.ch/
• Swiss Society for Anxiety and Depression: https://www.sgad.ch/

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