Interpersonal process features of collaboration between probation and behavioral health practitioners.

Abstract

This study sought to identify and conceptualize the central interpersonal process features that comprise good collaboration between behavioral health practitioners (BHPs) and probation officers (POs). Eighteen POs and 21 BHPs from geographically adjacent jurisdictions in a Midwestern state each participated in one of six focus groups. Researchers systematically coded focus group transcripts for interpersonal collaborative themes using both inductive and deductive strategies. Seven core themes-shared values and beliefs, communication and information sharing, knowledge of the other, trust, respect, team-based decision making, and equitable contribution-were identified and coded for importance, as indexed by frequency, latent tone, and group consensus. An initial working operational definition of these constructs, based on practitioners' dialogue, is also provided. This study is one of the first to provide BHPs and POs who work with justice-involved people with prescriptive guidance about interpersonal actions and approaches that will best serve their professional collaborative efforts. Future research should examine whether these constructs hold across other samples and contexts and work to fully operationalize and measure these constructs and their importance for affecting various outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).