Training paraprofessionals: a learning experience for psychiatric residents

As a pilot project within a psychiatric residency program, two psychiatric residents conducted a six-month interviewing and data-recording course for paraprofessionals in a comprehensive community mental health center. The program benefited the paraprofessionals and the institution, but the authors feel the most important benefits were to the residents themselves. Through the project they grappled with and tested solutions to such issues as accountability, delegation of clinical responsibility, supervision of subordinates, administration, and leadership.