Our PCL psychiatrists have consulted with providers in every county in Washington except Wahkiakum. In the most recent survey of PCL callers, 97% said they would use the line again and would recommend the program to colleagues.
Here are a few of the stories they shared about the impact the PCL has had in the lives of their patients:
Ferry County: Trying to help manage incarcerated patients’ medication in rural areas can be a significant challenge. There isn’t money to have medical in these jails, and certainly not psych professionals. Lots of co-occurring SUD and mental health conditions. I’ve had patients in and out of state psych hospitals. It’s a blessing to have the PCL to call to get medication assistance from because frequently it’s well above a primary care provider’s expertise, yet we’re what they have access to in many cases.
Yakima County: I provide forensic mental health evaluations and have no in house peer, so the consult was helpful in my assessment of a vulnerable person with legal problems.
King County: I have called the PCL line twice and I absolutely LOVE having it as a resource. I feel confident in my ability to manage mood disorders in medically complex patients in large part thanks to the PCL. Thank you for this incredible resource!!!
Pierce County: I was very nervous the first time I called. I had a complex patient with a complex medication regimen that I inherited when their psychiatrist retired. (When I called the PCL) I found support, encouragement and recognition for the difficult work primary care doctors are doing. They had practical advice, actionable small steps, and helped me identify treatment goal to work towards. They encouraged me and suggested a timetable to reconsult on the changes. I was stressed because my clinic was running behind and I was late for my consult but they were kindly able to accommodate me. I’ve told all my colleagues about this great service!
Spokane County: I work at a Native Clinic/FQHC. Resources available are limited. I feel I have the medium level abilities to handle most patients. There are some who are tough and need more expertise. I love having access to colleagues who routinely are supportive and make me a better doc and my patients healthier.
Whatcom County: This is the most important service available to providers. Thank you for having this in place when the wait to see psychiatry is often months.
Okanogan County: I am an FNP in Okanogan County at an FQHC, a county with only 1 psych NP. Most of our patients have transportation obstacles to pursuing care in Wenatchee or Spokane/Seattle. Referral is often simply not an option. I couldn’t help these folks without the PCL! I’ve learned an incredible amount of clinical pearls and the guidance has truly helped the patients manage their symptoms. Thank you!
Skagit County: As a primary care physician, there is a lot of psychiatry I handle due to a lack of psychiatrist in the area, insurance issues or long wait times. There are cases that have eluded me, and I have just been at a loss for a patient. UW Provider Psych line was incredibly helpful. I was able to facilitate patient care, they help reinforce the right things I was doing and helped me understand which medication use would be helpful in each of my situations. The providers were empathetic, and I cannot say I have had a bad experience with UW psych line to date. I appreciate you guys, and my patients are better managed because of you guys.
Stevens County: As a rural health care physician my patients do not have access to robust mental health care. Without this program many would not get the treatments they need.
King County: This service is the most amazing consultation resource I have ever used. To be able to make almost immediate contact with an attending physician, who seems to have unlimited time to offer, is utterly unique. This has allowed me to get a patient, who urgently needs treatment, on meds right away & helped me determine the level of risk. I learned a lot every time I called, & the consultants were unfailingly gracious.