New telepsychiatry program connects providers

Washington state doesn't have enough psychiatrists to respond to its residents' need for mental health services. Some counties don't have even one psychiatrist. That's what the Psychiatry Consultation Line is intended to address.

It's specifically for prescribing providers – in primary-care clinics, community hospitals, emergency departments, and city/county correctional facilities. Doctors who have a question about how to address a complex case can call in and get recommendations from a UW Medicine psychiatrist.

Dr. Ryan Kimmel, chief of service for psychiatry at UW Medical Center, explains the program's benefits. Providers who are seeking that additional help can call 877-927-7924 (877-WA-PSYCH). The number is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The team plans to expand to 24/7 service on July 1, 2020.