Psychological services for persons with mental retardation and psychiatric impairments

Key informant characterizations of services provided by psychologists to persons with mental retardation and psychiatric impairments were described. Responses indicate that informants relied most heavily upon clinical history, observation and behavior checklists, and clinical signs in rendering diagnostic judgments. Therapeutic efforts were directed to a diversity of aspects of interpersonal and social adjustment, with benefit considered to be greater for persons with mild or moderate mental retardation.