Consultation with community care facilities

An innovative application of consultation to community care facilities, also known as board and care homes, is presented in order to improve services to chronically mentally ill persons. An extended Caplanian model for establishing an effective consultant-consultee relationship with administrators is described with reference to the following tasks: (a) understanding the setting; (b) recognizing an unmet need; (c) resolving problems of entry; and (d) negotiating a contract for case consultation and for program consultation. Interventions that reduce theme interference with work efficiency are described by examining realistic conflict resolutions utilizing problem clarification, expressing understanding, sharing feelings, and exploring solutions. The results include development of a climate of responsibility among the chronically mentally ill residents and more effective use of community resources.