The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences offers two programs to support the mental health of our community now and in the months ahead:
- Psychiatry Consultation Line (PCL): for providers who have a clinical mental health question about a patient: This program is for prescribing providers in Washington state – including those in the UW Medicine Accountable Care Network – who are seeking clinical advice regarding adult patients (18+) with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Providers call 877.WA.PSYCH (877.927.7924) and, after a short intake with a health navigator, are connected to a UW Medicine psychiatrist. Many callers have questions regarding assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, including management of antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotic medications and medications for substance use. After the consultation, the psychiatrist sends written documentation of the recommendations to the caller via email. The consultation line is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will transition to 24/7 staffing beginning July 1, 2020. Providers calling outside of business hours can leave a message, which will be returned within one working day. There is no limit to how many times a provider can call. Available to eligible prescribing providers in Washington state. Funded by the State of Washington; free for the caller. For more information, see Psychiatry Consultation Line FAQs.
- Psychiatry COVID Support Program: for UW Medicine employees (faculty or staff) who want a supportive conversation for themselves:This program pairs the department’s faculty and staff clinicians with UW Medicine healthcare colleagues to help them manage the increased stress and anxiety during this difficult time. More than 80 department faculty and staff have volunteered their time and skills to provide free, informal, video, telephone and/or in-person supportive conversations to UW Medicine employees. Scheduling is arranged 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, but conversations are available seven days a week and into the evenings by video or phone. Requests for support can be made online via the COVID Support Request Survey or by leaving a confidential voice mail message at 206.221.2768. Available to any UW Medicine employee. Funded by anonymous philanthropic support; free for the caller. For more information, see UW Department of Psychiatry supports frontline health care workers
