Mental health service providers: Barriers in collaboration

Abstract

Introduction

Collaboration between psychiatrists and psychologists (counsellors) is one of the key factors impacting efficiency of services in child and youth mental health. Despite the clear benefits, a teamwork approach is still limited and has some difficulties.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to explore potential barriers in the collaboration between professionals with different backgrounds.

Methods

Anonymous online survey for staff from various mental health clinics across Russia was completed by 142 psychologists and 70 psychiatrists (Σ =212).

Results

77.7% participants reported that collaboration is helpful in adult mental health services; 91.3% see partnership as an essential part of child and youth mental health. 61.6% specialists work together; 44.7% described it as a successful experience. At the same time 58.4% believe that pharmacological treatment should start first, and counselling may be postponed. 49.5% believe that doctors often diminish the importance of counselling. Fears and biases towards psychiatrists were reported by 28.9% of the sample. 25.4% participants reported lack of trust and limited understanding of counselling methods. Top barriers for collaboration that were reported: lack of opportunities on an organizational level (20% doctors and 45% psychologists), unclear professional boundaries and responsibilities (28.5% doctors and 15.4% psychologists), lack of motivation (20% doctors and 7% psychologists), lack of positive experience (11.2% psychologist and 0% doctors). The main reported benefit of collaboration by 39.6% was improved compliance and better treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

In order to make collaboration among mental health professional more efficient, there is a need to address the barriers listed above.