Patients suffering from complaints of the musculoskeletal system with diagnoses like neurotic and somatization disorders often attribute their complaints to mere organic factors. Only part of these patients are willing to participate in conflict-oriented group psychotherapy. Taking account of the different treatment motivations in inpatient rehabilitation it is necessary to install a differentiated treatment concept with a basic psychosomatic programme and optional group psychotherapy. At the Roland Klinik in Bad Meinberg such a model of integrated short term psychotherapy has been established. In a 1993-94 pilot study we explored the relationship between the initial subjective suffering (in psychic and organic terms) and the use of the different treatment modalities. The degree of suffering from psychic problems emerged as a predictor for the patient's choice of the psychotherapy group. Some relevant factors for the choice of treatment modalities and outcome of therapy are discussed. The findings of this study support further refinement of the existing treatment differentiation.