"Data Trends" reports present summaries of research on mental health services for children and adolescents and their families. In the article summarized in this "Data Trends" the authors "explore whether having an integrated model of mental health consultation is related to how staff think about and deliver mental health services." According to the authors, characteristics of integrated mental health consultation programs include: (1) consultants who are available and accessible to staff when needed; (2) consultants who provide a range of supports such as helping staff with specific children or families, providing training and professional support, and doing classroom observations; and (3) collaborative, trusting relationships between mental health consultants and program staff. The authors found that programs with an integrated mental health consultation model were more likely to have a strong vision for mental health services, to describe mental health approaches that are consistent with promising practices, and to perceive their mental health services as more effective. Head Start staff who felt that there was a high level of consultant involvement in the program were more likely to focus on the outcomes of improving child and family well-being and to believe that their mental health approach was effective. Head Start staff perceptions of promising mental health practices and mental health program effectiveness seem to be influenced by the way that mental health consultant time is structured and the quality of the relationship with the Head Start staff. Mental health consultants seem to be most effective when their approach reflects Head Start program values. The authors note that it is important for all staff to receive both informal and formal training in the program's mental health approach and philosophy. (Contains 1 table.) [This "Data Trends" presents a summary of: Green, B.L., Simpson, J., Everhart, M.C., Vale, E., & Gettman, M.G. (2004). Understanding integrated mental health services in Head Start: Staff perspectives on mental health consultation. "NHSA Dialog," 7, 35-60.]