["Without sociotherapy, I wouldn't be where I am today" - A qualitative study on user evaluation of outpatient sociotherapy according to § 37a SGB V].

Objective Since 2000, people with severe mental illnesses have been entitled to sociotherapy under Section 37a of the German Social Code, Book V. However, this service has been implemented only to a limited extent and its effects have been researched marginally. The study aims to examine sociotherapy from the perspective of patients with regard to process, structure and outcome.

Method Sixteen problem-centered interviews with sociotherapy patients were conducted and evaluated using content analysis.

Results Patients experience sociotherapy as positively effective in terms of coping with their illness, their own sense of self-worth and participation as well as avoiding hospital stays. The service is particularly valued because of the nature of the relationships formed and the everyday-oriented setting.

Conclusions Sociotherapy is an important component of the health care system. At the same time, further research is needed to identify factors that influence effectiveness.