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Professional Consultation
Although the definition of professional consultation varies across settings, consultation is widely referred to as a problem-solving process initiated to better equip consultees with the necessary skill sets to work with clients and to improve services provided to clients. Consultants can be internal or external professionals and participation is voluntary for both consultant and consultee. The relationship between professional consultant and consultee is non-hierarchical with the consultee receiving direct service from the consultant, and acting as the medium through which the client receives indirect service from the consultant. As such, the relationship is triadic in nature between the consultant, consultee, and client, and the problem-solving process that takes place can be either preventive or remedial in nature.
Competencies that a psychologist should possess include:
Awareness of and ability to articulate role and working capacity of the profession relative to other professionals in social service agencies
In-depth professional knowledge of different treatment, approaches and intervention, and discuss evidence-based practices and their objectives when providing consultations
Demonstrate effective and appropriate skills in communicating information, advice, instruction or professional advice clearly to peers and other social service professionals, clients, families and caregivers
Demonstrate knowledge of and abide by code of ethics in working with other social service professionals, clients, families, and caregivers
Promote professional perspectives and influence peers and stakeholders within transdisciplinary team settings