| Abstract: | The role of the psychologist in paraprofessional or lay helping is examined, including the following: training and supervising paraprofessional helpers; serving on boards of directors of lay helping organizations; educating groups about the positive contributions of psychological services; consulting with organizations interested in establishing paraprofessional helping services; serving as a referral source when professional help is needed; doing outcomes research and evaluation of paraprofessional helping; and educating psychologists about the significant role they can have in the development of paraprofessional helpers. These activities facilitate the effective, efficient, and ethical practice of paraprofessional helping. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
