Liaison child and adolescent psychiatry

Liaison child and adolescent psychiatry has been described as the “partnership of child psychiatrists, paediatricians and other specialities concerned with children to provide integrated medical and psychological care for children” (Black et al, 1990). Although liaison work conjures up visions of the psychiatrist on the paediatric ward, it may also involve collaboration with community paediatric and primary care services. Indeed, the number of different professionals that may be involved with even quite mildly ill children is large (see Box 1). Much of the work is indirect (e.g. consultation with other professionals), but this and direct therapeutic work with children and families may continue long after discharge from the paediatric wards and clinics.