Comparison of the Satellite Clinic and the Hospital-Based Clinic

The observations on the first 693 patients seen in a satellite clinic enhance previous impressions regarding the clinical impact of this new service. The satellite clinic is heavily utilized by the neighborhood dweller, particularly the housingproject resident. Patients were willing to come considerable distances because of personal recommendations and the reputation of the clinic. Treatment was brief, terminating before three months in 80% of the cases, and averaging four to five visits per patient. The central clinic showed a more balanced ratio of male to female adult patients than the satellite clinic where adult males were underrepresented. A specific outreach program for geriatric patients is required. The male Negro child seen in the satellite clinic should be regarded as an opportunity to develop a program of prevention of serious psychiatric disorder and hospitalization in the future adult.