The Theory And Practice Of Mental Health Consultation

A valuable book for all who are involved in applications of psychology in community settings! The highly acclaimed authors of this volume provide a comprehensive and systematic presentation of the theory and practice of community mental health consultation and population-oriented psychiatry. The text outlines recent concepts of collaboration through which mental health specialists develop fruitful partnerships with professional colleagues in a number of health, education, welfare, and religious organizations. In addition to presenting a lucid description of the evolution, development, and current status of the Caplans’ pioneering techniques, many of which have become standard practice in the mental health disciplines, the book clearly articulates the fundamental theoretical principles on which these techniques are based.

Psychological Consultation outlines the major theoretical approaches to consultation and offers concrete ideas about the consultation process and techniques of consultation. This comprehensive consultation book devotes two chapters to specific consultees: parents and teachers. Additional chapters deal with consultation in organizations, the consultee, the consultant, and the use of data and information to inform the consultation process.

Offering an historical perspective on the development of mental health consultation and community mental health, this book's intent is twofold. First, it describes and evaluates Harvard psychiatrist Gerald Caplan's innovative approach to consultation and related activities with respect to the current and future practice of clinical community, school and organizational psychology. Second, it pays tribute to Caplan whose ideas on prevention, crisis theory, support systems, community mental health, mental health consultation and collaboration and population-orientated psychiatry have influenced the practice of professional psychology and allied fields.; The text is divided into three sections: the first provides background information for the remainder of the volume; the second documents Caplan's influence on the way psychology has been applied in various settings; andthe last considers his contribution's present and past influence. The text is aimed at consultant and practising psychologists, community and school psychology graduates and professionals involved with community mental health services.