What is the appropriate action for a psychiatric technician when a patient diagnosed with Major Depression refuses to attend a group session?

Encouraging the patient by discussing the benefits of attending the group session is an appropriate action because it aligns with therapeutic principles and respects the patient’s autonomy. Engaging the patient in dialogue about the potential positive outcomes of participation—such as social support, shared experiences, and the opportunity to learn coping strategies—can be motivating and might help them feel more comfortable with the idea of attending.

Building rapport through encouragement can facilitate a willingness to participate and may promote their overall treatment goals. It highlights the importance of collaboration and empowers the patient by involving them in decisions about their care, which is vital in psychiatric settings. Additionally, this approach helps to validate the patient’s feelings and demonstrates a supportive attitude, rather than imposing actions on them.

While documenting the refusal is part of proper protocol, simply moving on without engaging with the patient may miss an opportunity for therapeutic intervention and support. Leaving the patient alone could lead to feelings of isolation, and forcing attendance can generate resistance and harm their trust in the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, open communication and support are critical in such situations.