Assessment of psychological issues on interdisciplinary craniofacial teams

Congenital deformities of the facial structures, called craniofacial anomalies, are the most common birth defects found among newborn children. The variety of ways in which craniofacial anomalies can affect children and their families warrants treatment via interdisciplinary craniofacial teams with members representing a wide variety of professions. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of mental health professionals on craniofacial teams and to determine how craniofacial teams assess for psychological concerns in their patient populations. A survey was sent to interdisciplinary craniofacial team coordinators and the mental health professionals who are members of the teams. Respondents included 61 team coordinators and 50 mental health professionals, representing teams from across the United States. Results indicated that teams in 2007 generally viewed psychological services on their teams similarly to teams assessed in 1987. Teams commonly do not use formal measures in their assessment of psychological concerns and they provide feedback via discussions with the families. Mental health professionals assess a wide variety of potential areas of concern and are generally satisfied with the referrals sources available to their patients. Ensuring the effective assessment of psychological concerns is important for providing the most comprehensive treatment for children with craniofacial anomalies using the biopsychosocial model of health.