This is an ongoing process within the program. The staff meets weekly for peer consultation regarding treatment issues and case management. Medication requests are presented at these staff meetings. A case conference is held weekly for staff to formally present cases, offer education and training or explore treatment issues.

The Child & Adolescent staff meet regularly with the Department of Pediatrics. This meeting provides a time to share information, discuss mutual patients, present areas of interest and collaborate around mutual clinical needs. This meeting provides a liaison service to the Department of Pediatrics.

The Child & Adolescent staff acts in a consultative role with Adult Psychiatry, Chemical Dependency Services (CDS) and Teen Clinic. Joint meetings have been established to discuss our programs, consult on mutual cases or present on various issues. Often, treatment coincides between our units.

The Child & Adolescent staff provides in-services to the medical center. Requests have been through the Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Nursing and Health Education. The staff has presented on such topics as eating disorders, grief and loss, adolescent development, family and adolescent depression, and the diabetic child. The staff has been actively involved with the Health Education Department to offer the [I Shapedown Program].

The Child & Adolescent staff provides education and training to our members in the community. Staff have presented to schools, community agencies and specific groups on various topics. Topics have included such areas as teen depression and suicide, A.D.H.D., parent-teen issues and information on our services.

Supervision and training are provided to our new staff, psychiatric residents, interns (social work, psychological fellows, marriage, child & family counselors) and receptionists. Staff has both a clinical and administrative supervisor, and supervision or training may be either formal or informal. Weekly presentations are made on clinical matters plus discussion of video taped sessions.