Psychology as a health profession.

Abstract

This article discusses the contribution of psychology to the treatment of supposed physical health care problems, with particular emphasis on children. A number of behavioral health interventions pre described. The author estimates that from one third to one ha(fofal1 children hospitalizedfor physical health problems have a highly sign$cant behavioral component to their illnesses independent of the emotional problems caused by the hospitalization itself.

The evolving role of the psychologist in primary health care practitioner training for mental health services∗

“…If the mental health needs of patients are viewed as integral to health care in these settings, the limited supply of child psychiatrists will not be sufficient to meet either the treatment needs or mental health training needs of health providers. More extensive roles for psychologists in health care settings are beginning to be described (Dorken, 1976;Korchin, 1976;Wright, 1976) and several APA Divisions have started to tackle these issues through the Medical Psychology Network.…”