Using Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) Principles in an Integrated Care Continuum

This chapter describes the borderline personality organization integrated care continuum treatment program (BPOTP) developed in multiple public health network services in Barcelona, Spain. These services include an outpatient service, two-day hospitals, a subacute service, and a specialized rehabilitation service. This innovative program offers continuity of care for patients with a range of personality disorder pathology, integrating principles and techniques of transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) into comprehensive care. We review the profile of the patients involved, and the setting, components, and organization of this ambitious program. We outline how and when TFP principles are employed across this continuum of services; our goal is to describe the value of a TFP-informed psychodynamic approach with this challenging patient population in varied situations. The public health implications of this program and associated research opportunities are reviewed.