Interprofessional Collaboration: A Survey of Canadian Psychologists and Psychiatrists

A biopsychosocial approach to mental health necessitates the integration of different perspectives into client care and requires that professionals from different disciplines be able and willing to collaborate with one another. The authors conducted an Internet survey of Canadian psychologists (n = 1,040) and psychiatrists (n = 247) about their experiences in collaboration between the two professions. The sample included both autonomous professionals and those in training. The majority of respondents described themselves as being at least moderately familiar with the training and professional activities of the other profession, although a minority reported little or no familiarity. Most autonomous professionals reported that they became familiar with the other profession through consultation around specific cases. Respondents also learned about interprofessional collaboration through formal learning opportunities. However, almost two thirds of trainees who responded to the survey reported that they had no opportunities to put into practice what they had learned about the other profession. Recommendations for increased training opportunities are presented.