Key Concepts of Community Psychology: Implications for Consulting in Educational and Human Service Settings

Abstract

In this article we describe how community psychology can enhance the consultation process in settings such as schools and other human service organizations. We detail the core community psychology concepts of empowerment and systemic change, and we illustrate the ecological perspective as an encompassing theoretical framework. We then identify and address the following three common dilemmas consultants face when working with human service agencies: representation of the client's interest, implementation of changes, and dissemination of results. Limitations of the community psychology approach are also discussed.