The authors propose a group psychotherapy experience within a Psychiatric Di-agnosis and Care Service and a Day Territorial Hospital. Both care settings are dedicated to the treatment of critical episodes. The user considered may be in the acute stage of a psychotic onset or symptomatic exacerbation. The duration of stay in SPDC and DH is very variable: from a few to a maximum of 30 days. Multi-professional teams are involved. The working groups are organized in a shift system. The activities are carried out within a hospital (SPDC) and in locations in the territory (Day Hospital). The methodological reference is that of group-analytical matrix "transient psychotherapy groups" and the focus of session is on the present moment (crisis and hospitalization, drug use, resignation, attitudinal dynamics, awareness of the need for care, etc.). What emerges in the group, caught in the single, and often only session can provide useful psychodiagnostic indicators and help build care paths more responsive to the needs of the individual.
Keywords: Crisis, Change, Urgency area, Group psychotherapy, Establishment, Time.