The Use of Primary Prevention in Mental Health Consultation

Primary prevention addresses issues which are not yet identified as problematic for a specific population. Primary prevention programs typically: (1) are oriented toward a group, rather than an individual; (2) have a before-the-fact quality that implies the population is not maladjusted; and (3) offer programs with the intention of preventing maladaptation or improving psychological health. In mental health consultation, primary prevention can be used to assist individuals in developing their coping skills or to improve systems and institutions which impact the lives of individuals. Consultants have an opportunity to assist mental health agencies and schools with this transition to primary prevention. There are several approaches available to assist with these changes, including education and training, program changes, and changes in the structure of the delivery system. Consultants ca