• Although there is considerable evidence that family variables and interaction patterns affect the duration of hospitalization and frequency of readmission of psychiatric patients, it is rare to find inpatient facilities having psychotherapeutic programs that systematically stress family interventions. This article discusses the difficulties encountered by both families and staff as they cope with the issues of hospitalization, suggests a structured, patient-oriented family approach, and recommends some specific techniques for short-term work with families of severely disturbed inpatients.