As May’s mental health awareness month continues, WSHA wanted to highlight three important resources for addressing the mental health needs of children, teens, pregnant people, new parents and other individuals seeking mental health care. Seattle Children’s Mental Health Referral Service for children and teens connects families with mental health providers, specific to the family’s local area, the young person’s needs and insurance coverage. Anyone can call 833-303-5437, from 8 a.m. to 5 pm., Monday through Friday, WSHA was very pleased to see this service established as an ongoing program through 2SHB 1325 (2021).
Seattle Children’s Partnership Access Lines (PAL) for Primary Care Providers is another great resources for primary care providers to call with questions about mental health care for pregnant people, new parents, teens and children, including diagnostic clarification, medication adjustment and treatment planning. Providers can call 866-599-7257, from 8 a.m. to 5 pm., Monday through Friday. 2SHB 1325 also made the PAL line for moms permanent, another important and welcome investment in supporting the mental health of families.
Finally, the UW Psychiatry Consultation Line (PCL) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Providers can call 877-WA-PSYCH (877-927-7924) to consult directly with a UW psychiatrist or schedule a later time to talk that may be more convenient. The service is free, and a written summary of the recommendations is provided.
