WA health care providers are overwhelmingly satisfied with provider consultation lines

Department news | November 30, 2022


In their final report, a team of nonpartisan performance auditors commissioned by the WA State Legislature’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) noted that health care providers across Washington reported high satisfaction with the three state-funded psychiatry consultation lines: the Psychiatry Consultation Line (PCL) and the Perinatal Psychiatry Consultation Line (PPCL) operated by our department, and the Partnership Access Line (PAL) operated by Seattle Children’s. 

According to the review, health care providers who called the consultation lines reported that the consulting psychiatrists provided excellent, evidence-based advice. The providers appreciated being able to speak immediately or schedule a convenient time for consultation and noted the lines allowed them to give reliable, same-day treatment to their patients.  

Providers also reported the consultation lines increased their patients’ access to mental health care by reducing barriers and reported there is no resource equivalent to the consultation lines for them to access. Without the lines, providers said they would have consulted a colleague, used an online resource, referred the patient to a psychiatrist or emergency room, and/or provided care with less confidence. 

We are thrilled this review demonstrated high levels of provider satisfaction and improved access to behavioral health care, and appreciate the opportunity to offer these important services for patients and providers throughout Washington State. Watch a video summary of the report