A multidisciplinary approach to the role of senior therapist on a child psychiatry unit.

The function of "Senior Therapist" was developed by the social worker and the head nurse at the Inpatient Child Psychiatry Unit of the British Columbia Children's Hospital. The role of the Senior Therapist lead to a modification of the usual medical model by involving other professionals in primary patient care, discharge planning, and follow-up services for the young patients and their families. The program serves as a model of innovative clinical services.