Mental health articles

Benefits to Patient Care
This example illustrates the importance of seeking consultation with other professionals
to effectively meet the needs of people served in therapeutic settings. The psychologist
was technically asked to consult with the psychiatrist when asked to offer
treatment services and assist in providing more thorough care to the children. The
feedback regarding the medical question was given respectfully to psychiatrist and pediatrician
by sharing information observed that might have an impact on the overall
progress of treatment. The consultant was able to offer additional objective perusal of
the client’s history and behavioral patterns. In many cases, the referring or cotreating
provider may have missed potentially critical variables or simply not recognized them
after a long involvement with the client. The contributions of the therapist can offer a
fresh perspective on the client, serve to provide a well-rounded viewpoint, identify
new hypotheses to remediate symptoms, or offer greater insight into the family dynamics.
A collegial ongoing dialogue between the psychologist, pediatrician, and psychiatrist
will continue as all providers work with the family, thus collaborating to
develop a more effective treatment plan with multiple perspectives. As is evidenced
from just one example, taking a holistic approach in conceptualizing the needs of others
has immense value and can often prevent obstacles to better outcomes.
Broadness of mind leaves much more room for creative problem solving and incorporation
of others’ opinions. Consultation is, in that sense, born out of the recognition
that a single vein of expertise is not always sufficient to meet a client’s needs. This
may extend from therapist to therapist regarding a referral that lies on the edges of
their area of competency; from physician to mental health professional on the depression
of a diabetic client; from teacher to school psychologist on the fears of a firstgrade
student.