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This paper contends that the psychiatrist-woman patient relationship is affected by a number of powerful, yet often subtle, pressures. There are three major interacting sets of factors: the medical and mental health systems and the process of medicalization of life that has taken place over the last century; the psychiatrist, his or her training, attitude and theoretical background; and the woman patient, her socialization and view of the world which is based on perspectives formulated from a male viewpoint. As a result of these factors, any woman referred to a psychiatrist is likely to be given a psychiatric diagnosis, her problems viewed as individual and intrapsychic, the societal obstacles she faces ignored or minimized, and treatment probably geared to helping her adapt to traditional expectations. The implications for therapy are discussed, with emphasis on the need to appreciate how women have been forced into a second-hand understanding of the world. Alternatives to traditional psychotherapy are discussed briefly, stressing the need for recognition and use of these resources.

A brief definition of the consultation process is presented. Four different consultation programs (to schools, to a public health unit, to agencies for the handicapped and to a welfare agency) are described and the value of this process in providing service is stressed. Some indication of how the consultation process can be taught is mentioned and the need for more research and evaluation is emphasized.

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The New Feminism, generating everwidening changes, has important implica tions for psychiatric theory (13) and for psychotherapy. One of the many 'Rights' movements, it is part of massive changes in society as roles become blurred, technol ogical change accelerates (16) and old institutions disappear. The women's move ment joins those who are concerned about overpopulation and suggests alternatives to childbearing as woman's prime role, and it also relates closely to movements seeking to humanize relationships and lessen man's alienation from man.The effect of the movement on women is demonstrated by membership lists of Women's Liberation groups and also by a much broader state of mind which is raising questions about the way people live -families, homes, child-rearing, jobs, the government and the nature of the sexes themselves. Many women undergoing ther apy are beginning to raise the issue of their own needs and interests instead of guiltily seeking to understand what 'neurotic prob lem' made them unable to fit into their husband's needs and plans. Some young women are echoing Engel's statement that modern marriage is founded upon the open or concealed slavery of the wife (10) and cynically point out that the presence of a uterus uniquely qualifies its owner for a