Publisher:  American Psychological Association

This is a very readable book on the practice of psychology in medical settings. The authors are pioneering clinicians who have worked in these settings for years, and they give excellent advice to psychologists who are new to this environment. The authors are willing to discuss difficult issues, including the politics of relationships between psychologists and medical doctors.

They begin with the emerging field of health psychology and its relationship to the fields of behavioral medicine, and psychoneuroimmunology. They discuss training issues before presenting a model of assessment, which can be used in medical settings. The section on intervention gives excellent examples from the authors' own practice in medical settings. Throughout the book they present excellent tips for helping psychologists practice effectively in an unfamiliar environment.

Two of the strongest sections of the book are the discussions of ethical issues and of malpractice risks. The authors review the ethical principles of psychologists developed by the American Psychological Association and give clear examples of how to apply these in medical settings. They are especially helpful in outlining the differing ethical principles of both psychologists and physicians.

This book is aimed squarely at psychologist practitioners who work in medical settings, and graduate students who are studying to be health psychologists. While some of the material is specific to psychology, much of it would be valuable to any mental health professional working in a general hospital. Medical doctors and mental health professionals live in different worlds, and this book is an excellent roadmap for those who find themselves in unfamiliar territory.