<p>OMG-- worse than Kaiser. Kaiser where I live tends to send patients to self-help classes, which in fairness can be quite good. They also do time-limited therapy. But, I tend to joke that even with complex conditions, they would hand you an information page, send you an automated, non-individualized health care message, and suggest you attend a class, even for someone with a rather complex presentation. Actual therapists suggesting reading materials or videos as part of therapy, if it is a person who learns from that format, seems more reasonable if individualized to the client.</p>
<p>I have found that many people are depressed due to living conditions and life circumstances which CAN be changed, but they decide to do nothing and stay in situations which are causing them damage. -(eg. Bad relationships or stressful jobs) There are many people who become depressed after loss ( which is out of their control) Both groups could be helped with education from self help books, therapy and support groups. People cannot expect others to fix circumstances for them. They must help themselves. I see this as a positive approach and one which can empower people to take back the reins. Therapy sessions would take months to cover the same information contained in a book and meds alone do not get to the root of a problem. Self help books with therapy is a good combo.</p>
<p>Assuming they aren’t doing this in lieu of any other medical care that may be necessary, I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. There is a lot of good literature out there and the act of going through a self-help book can be a very empowering and informative experience. </p>