Psychiatric consultation in schools : a report of the American Psychiatric Association.

Whether as a private practitioner serving as an advocate for a young patient, or as a psychiatric consultant to a school program, a psychiatrist's ability to work cooperatively with his or her local school system can be invaluable. Unfortunately, many economic and ideological factors interfere with psychiatrists' involvement in schools.

This report of the American Psychiatric Association Committee on Psychiatry and Mental Health in Schools presents the basic tools necessary to conduct successful consultations in schools. It covers the latest information on the varied role of psychiatrists in today's educational system and is designed to stimulate psychiatrists' participation in the school setting. Psychiatric Consultation in Schools will improve and increase the ability of psychiatrists to work productively in the educational system.