Consultation is an important aspect of providing psychological help. It involves two psychologists, one who is in the consultant role and the other who is in a client role. In some ways, consulting is like counseling. Goals are made, solutions are tried and evaluated, and the relationship is eventually terminated. However, there is one distinct difference. Whereas counseling involves assisting a client in solving their own problem or making progress in their own psychological nature, consulting occurs when one psychologist helps another psychologist to successfully treat their clients. Both psychologists are focused on the client of the consulting psychologist. It is important to note that the consultant does not take on the role of the consultee. They do not directly treat the client of their consultee unless that is an important part of a treatment solution. Their relationship with the subject of treatment is more removed.

Counselling/therapy does not come in a cookie-cutter format and each session is generally tailored to the individual. There is flexibility within this type of therapy that allows for a variety of formats, including:

The first step in the consultation process is establishing a relationship with one's client. When someone comes to a professional for advice, they are seeking honest opinions and a willingness to lend expertise. They are not wanting to be replaced in the existing relationships between them and their clients. They are also desirous of having a relationship with a consultant who knows their individual needs and responds to them personally. In many instances, generalized treatments will not work. Consultants must be willing to assist therapists on a case-by-case basis.