A multilevel analysis of consultant attributes that contribute to effective mental health consultation services

Abstract

A positive relationship between the mental health consultant (MHC) and early care and education staff is considered important for achieving positive early childhood mental health consultation outcomes, but little is known about the attributes of MHCs that contribute to relationships with staff and to staff-reported child outcomes. This study was a secondary analysis of 57 MHCs and 407 Head Start staff who responded to the Head Start Mental Health Services Survey. Hierarchical linear models examined the relationship between five attributes of MHCs and staff reports of improved child outcomes and a positive relationship with the MHC. The results suggest that MHC reports of positive relationships with staff, positive relationships with families, and high levels of supervision and support are positively associated with staff reports of positive relationships with the MHC (p < .05). None of the MHC-reported attributes were associated with staff-reported child outcomes.