The principal is often overlooked

The role of the school principal in the psychiatric evaluation of one of his pupils is important, but often overlooked. With all referrals, except perhaps the withdrawn child, he has made some effort to improve the situation. The nature and extent of this involvement varies greatly, and knowledge of it is often essential to therapeutic planning. Countertransference is a phenomenon principals are not trained to be aware of, but which is especially important to recognize. The uses of the psychiatric consultant by a school district are discussed. Perhaps the greatest impact the consulting psychiatrist can have on mental health in the schools is the open recognition he gives the teacher and principals that their intuitive approach to the vast majority of the problems of their charges is sound and helpful.