Consultation Theory

Consultation Theory and the Mental Health Approach

The purpose of this paper is to review and summarized the current research on Consultation Theory and to discuss it in the context of the Mental Health approach. To elucidate understanding, several relevant examples and applications of the theory are also presented.

To fully understand the Mental Health approach to Consultation Theory, it is first necessary to define consultation and delineate the general theory. According to Kurpius and Fugua (1993), while definitions of the term "consultation" differ depending upon such factors as the counselor's background or goals, most characterize consultation as having one or more of the following characteristics: (1) Provision of information, advice or help; (2) Provision of a theory of process and organizational functioning; (3) Provision of an outside gestalt; (4) Reliance on the use of multiple models or paradigms;

(5) Creation of a foundation for understanding interrelationships among the different ways to view organizational phenomena;

(6) Requiring a strong conceptual process; and (7) Demonstrating how generic knowledge is transm

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egiver populations such as teachers, doctors, nurses, probation officers, and police. The purpose of these consultation services, according to Brown, Pryzwansky and Schulte (1995) is to help these caregivers deal with the psychological aspects of a current work problem. From a historical perspective, it can be noted that when Caplan first developed the mental health approach it was applied to several community mental health organizations (CMHCs). Borus (1984) reports that these early efforts actually floundered when consultants attempted to apply G. Caplan's theory, mostly because the centers were not implementing many of the recommendations for change. However, losses of support for CMHCs, beneficially, forced them to become more rigorous in following suggestions and recommendations, ultimately achieving successful outcomes for this consultation approach. An example of the mental health approach to consultation is provided by Yank, Fox and Davis (1991). According to the authors, consultation services were brought to bear in the development of The Galt Visiting Scholar in Public Mental Health program was developed in Virginia. The development of this program was the consultant's response to poor relationships and communicat
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Specifically Russell, Smith White, Kurpius Fugua, Fugua Rozecki, Intervention Selection, CMHCs Borus, Mental Health, Galt Scholars, Consultation Theory, mental health, Services Commonwealth's, consultation theory, mental health approach, health approach, approach consultation, health approach consultation, consultation services, approach consultation theory, kurpius fugua, development 716, journal counseling, psychobehavioral model, journal counseling development, counseling development, counseling development 716,
Approximate Word count = 1772
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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