Developing multicultural competence

As discussed in previous weeks, a supervisor is ultimately responsible for the quality of care; therefore, the supervisor must have relevant data to make informed decisions. Many supervisors watch videotapes of a supervisee’s therapy sessions and give feedback about the supervisee’s techniques, as well as recommendations for treatment planning. Clients are aware that the supervisor is ultimately in charge and directing the provided care.

In contrast, consultation involves a psychologist who is responsible for providing treatment and who seeks feedback from a colleague. The consultant is aware of information provided only by the treating clinician in a consultation. This lack of access to information may result in less accurate feedback but can provide the consultant some flexibility and creativity that might otherwise be missing if the consultant was responsible for the treatment. The consultant understands that he or she does not have all the facts and therefore must rely on the treating clinician’s good-faith judgment to incorporate suggestions into the treatment plan.