Integration of Behavioral and Mental Health Consultation as a Means of Overcoming Resistance

Abstract

Training parents to use behavior modification with their children is widely considered an effective consultation strategy. However, effectiveness may depend on the acceptability of behavioral prescriptions and adherence to the program. Parents of children with disabilities may be particularly apt to find behavioral programs very acceptable-at least formally. Yet, they may experience difficulties in implementing the proposed intervention plan. An integrative approach to consultation is proposed as a means of surmounting resistance to behavioral programs. Traditionally, consultee-focused mental health consultation and behavioral consultation have been conceptualized as divergent approaches. A case illustration is used to show how the integration of these two perspectives can contribute to the effectiveness of consultation with parents.