Secondary Consultation
Secondary consultation is a process designed to assist staff in developing a clear and comprehensive formulation of their clients, giving weight to the personal history of each client. Subsequently the Spectrum clinician may contribute to development of a treatment plan or review an existing plan. When meeting with a team, it is usual for teams to have a diversity of views about the best clinical approach. Secondary consultation aims to help teams to discuss all views and advise on a treatment plan based on a considered formulation.
Spectrum secondary consultation can assist with:
- clarification of formulation and diagnosis
- treatment planning and review
- discussion about clinical approaches
- advice on therapeutic technique
- setting up and supporting a treatment team
- educational input as required.
Often, secondary consultation will help teams continue treatment successfully within the local area. However, sometimes Spectrum staff and the treating team may conclude that a referral to Spectrum's treatment services is indicated.
Secondary consultation may also assist staff in identifying other issues that have an impact on the treatment of clients. These may include conflict within or between teams, lack of appropriate support structures for staff, unclear policy and procedures, or a need for further staff training. In such instances, the manager or other senior staff may request further training, or involvement in policy development.
Who has access to Spectrum secondary consultation?
Spectrum offers a consultation service to clinicians in adult mental health services who are treating people who have borderline personality disorder or severe personality disorder. We also provide consultation to staff from adolescent services who are treating young people with personality disorder traits and staff from forensic services who are working with women in prison.Who provides secondary consultation?
Spectrum clinicians are experienced and trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches and have a range of professional backgrounds. Each area mental health service has a nominated Spectrum clinician for initial consultation. This will be followed by further consultation and other services as negotiated. Spectrum has nominated clinicians allocated to adolescent services and forensic services.What types of secondary consultation are offered?
Secondary consultations may be episodic (one to two meetings) or may be contracted for several weeks as required. The Spectrum clinician may meet with the treating team; meet with a team within the mental health service; consult to a case conference or meet with a case manager. The treating team may include staff from non-government agencies, psychiatric disability support, private practitioners and general practitioners. The Spectrum clinician can provide secondary consultation to any team within the area mental health services such as continuing care, inpatient, mobile support, community care unit and crisis teams.
In summary, Spectrum can consult to: