Critical Issues in Consultation and Liaison

Before about 15 years ago, psychological consultation in medical settings was primarily service-oriented under the aegis of departments of psychiatry. Thus, its main function was seen as providing psychometric services in support of psychiatric interests, both in terms of clinical services and in terms of research. An ancillary service was brief intervention consultation, usually behavioral in nature, designed to alter specific patient or staff behaviors to encourage compliance with varying treatment regimens. The psychologist in such a setting was, by necessity, relegated to such interests, and most effort was directed to issues of psychopathology and interventions with psychiatric patients.