Mental Health Consultation and Collaboration

by Gerald Caplan, Ruth B. Caplan

This book updates and expands upon the innovative and influential book Theory and Practice of Mental Health Consultation, by Gerald Caplan, and its companion volume, Helping the Helpers to Help, by Ruth Caplan. Drawing on the pioneering concepts outlined in these books and on more than thirty years of experience applying these concepts in practice, the authors provide an authoritative guide to the theories and techniques of psychological consultation and collaboration. Outlining the principles of mental health consultation and collaboration, this book shows how, instead of intervening directly, mental health professionals can work with teachers, clergy, nurses, and other service providers to address mental health issues in the contexts in which they occur. Offering numerous case studies revealing how their concepts can be applied in a range of settings, the authors provide school psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and social scientists with the insights they need to consult and collaborate effectively with diverse agencies and institutions. The authors offer a comprehensive discussion of the steps involved in developing a consultation program-such as selecting and approaching appropriate agencies, negotiating a formal agreement, exploring the relevant assets and liabilities of the institution, assessing the nature of the current difficulty, and offering consultees effective assistance.

393 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993