Chapter 8.ACT in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

Consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry is an invaluable component of effective medical and surgical care. Patients with complex physical and mental health issues do not leave their problems at the hospital’s front door. Mental health concerns interact with and impact the process and outcomes of physical health care in material ways. Optimal care is now defined by the collaboration of teams with multidisciplinary expertise to address the complex health needs of patients. C-L psychiatrists evaluate and suggest best-management strategies for a range of difficult and bewildering mental health issues that naturally arise in the care of patients with serious chronic or acute health conditions. They may be asked for help managing a patient’s delirium, mood disorder, anxiety, or psychosis, not unlike the work psychiatrists already do in more traditional inpatient and outpatient settings. C-L psychiatrists may be called to assist the clinical care team in assessing whether a patient is suicidal. Additionally, the C-L psychiatrist is often consulted when a patient displays difficult or puzzling behaviors that leave members of the team feeling overwhelmed or fearful, in a state of disagreement, or simply wanting the patient off their service.