<![CDATA[Therapeutic communication is a fundamental component of mental healthcare as it facilitates interpersonal relationships between nurses and patients. This study aims to explore therapeutic communication strategies used to build trust among patients with schizophrenia at the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Mental Hospital. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. Three nurses were selected as informants using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings identify three therapeutic communication strategies: building trust through empathy, honesty, consistency, and a non-judgmental attitude; maintaining trust through adaptive, patient-centred communication tailored to patients' psychological conditions and cognitive abilities; and strengthening patient engagement through sustained trust. These strategies foster greater openness, enhance cooperation, and encourage patients' active participation throughout the treatment process. The study concludes that trust serves as the foundation of therapeutic relationships and highlights the importance of adaptive, patient-centred communication in enhancing interpersonal communication within mental health services.]]>
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