Collaborative consultation training: the missing link to the enhancement of collaborative relationships among education and mental health professionals®

Abstract

The ability of education and mental health professionals to collaborate is essential when providing services to children and adolescents. It is imperative, therefore, that professionals from different theoretical orientations understand collaborative consultation as the basis for developing effective working relationships. The purpose of this article is to provide information on collaborative consultation in education and mental health professions as it exists in the United States and its impact upon the provision of these services. It also serves as an information resource on collaborative consultation for the international community. University training designed to ensure an understanding of the process and purpose of collaborative consultation will be addressed. The article concludes with suggested coursework and student teaching/internship activities designed to develop this competency