Description

Consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP), also known as psychosomatic medicine, is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the interface between physical and mental health. CLP psychiatrists provide mental health consultation to individuals who are receiving medical care for physical health conditions. Here are some key aspects of CLP: 1. Assessment: CLP psychiatrists assess the mental health needs of individuals who are receiving medical care, including those with chronic medical conditions, acute illnesses, and those undergoing medical procedures. 2. Treatment: Treatment approaches for individuals receiving CLP services may include medication management, psychotherapy, and behavioral interventions, such as relaxation techniques or cognitive-behavioral therapy. 3. Collaboration: CLP psychiatrists collaborate with other medical professionals, such as primary care physicians, nurses, and specialists, to provide comprehensive care for individuals with both physical and mental health needs. 4. Education: CLP psychiatrists educate medical professionals about the psychological and behavioral factors that can impact physical health, as well as the impact of physical health conditions on mental health. 5. Research: CLP psychiatrists conduct research on the relationship between physical and mental health, with the goal of improving understanding and treatment of individuals with comorbid physical and mental health conditions. 6. Crisis intervention: CLP psychiatrists may provide crisis intervention services, such as suicide risk assessment and management, to individuals receiving medical care who are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms. 7. Management of psychiatric comorbidities: CLP psychiatrists manage psychiatric comorbidities in individuals with physical health conditions, such as depression and anxiety in individuals with cancer or chronic pain.