How to Use This Chapter
Aaron Beck (1979) featured psychoeducation as a primary intervention in early formulations of cognitive behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is a straightforward and flexible intervention where patients and/or support persons are provided with specific information about a behavioral health condition. In addition to increasing knowledge, psychoeducation can provide patients with tools and skills for managing symptoms. Psychoeducation can be the sole treatment or combined with other treatments (Lukens & McFarlane, 2004). The rationale for providing psychoeducation is that the patient will be better prepared, engaged, or motivated to work on their problems if they understand their condition and the options to improve their recovery from illness.