The CMHC as a setting for residency education

The authors review four approaches chairmen of departments of psychiatry have used to attempt to ensure quality resident education in CMHCs they do not control. Several examples are presented of administrative problems that may develop in this type of relationship. Based on this material and the authors' experience, a four stage administrative process is presented which emphasizes clear identification of goals and objectives, negotiation of a relationship that is beneficial to both the department and the CMHC, development of a written contract, and careful monitoring and evaluation of its progress. Designing a relationship in this fashion offers maximum opportunity for programmatic success.