Characterization of the Therapeutic Communities “Montesanto” (Rome, 2008- 2012) And “Casa de Alba” (Estremoz, 2020-2022): Brief Notes

Marcelo Azeredo Leone Lino Rodrigo

Co-founder of Psychikos Clinic (Lisbon, Portugal) & Vice President of the international Network of Democratic Therapeutic Communities

Dr. Marcelo Azeredo Leone Lino Rodrigo, Psychikos Clinic & International Network of Democratic Therapeutic Communities.

Keywords: Democratic Therapeutic community, Open-dialogue and Therapeutic Contract

Abstract

The article invites a reflection on the differences and similarities between two democratic therapeutic communities, one public and located in an urban environment (Rome, Italy) and the other private and situated in a rural environment (territory of Estremoz, Portugal). The Montesanto Community is part of a networked structure and follows the implementation of the Basaglia Law, dated 1978. This type of intervention tries to give voice and dignity to the “mentally ill” and is quite widespread in Italy. As for the Casa de Alba Community, we are faced with a reality that has existed for about a decade that has the particular concerns of a democratic community. It is not a pioneering experience in Portugal, but unlike those that preceded it, just a few, it has had a more permanent character.

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