Psychiatric consultation with children in underserviced areas: lessons from experiences in northern Ontario

There are only 350 child psychiatrists in Canada. It is therefore unrealistic to expect them to be able to provide sufficient direct treatment, even in small densely populated communities with abundant resources. Such expectations are even more unrealistic in underserviced, sparsely populated areas. A review of the literature on psychiatric consultation in underserviced areas is presented along with a description of the consultation process, taking advantage of the "multiplier effect." Some of the realities of mental health consultation in underserviced areas are discussed, stressing the importance of consultation as a way of professional life. Some guidelines for the psychiatric consultant are outlined which would enhance the "multiplier effect". It is maintained that the training of psychiatric residents should include a supervised experience consulting in underserviced areas. Finally, it is hoped that psychiatric training programs, funding bodies, hospitals, and agencies, will recognize the value of this use of psychiatric expertise.