The Consultation Access Link Line to Utah Psychiatry (CALL-UP) has functioned as a statewide psychiatric consult service for seven years, connecting pediatricians and primary care providers with mental health expertise. Created through a partnership between the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and Utah’s Office of Substance Use and Mental Health (SUMH), the program provides physicians with access to specialists Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Benefits for Medical Professionals
The CALL-UP program is designed to help medical professionals address mental health concerns more effectively. Through the service, providers can speak directly with specialists to receive answers to difficult questions, obtain medication recommendations, and identify additional resources.
Impact on Pediatric Care
Dr. Mary Shapiro, a pediatrician at University of Utah Health Westridge Health Center in West Valley City, noted that the program allows her to provide treatment recommendations within 4::48 hours, which helps prevent patients from falling through the cracks. Dr. Shapiro stated that her knowledge regarding managing conditions like depression and anxiety has increased through her use of the service.
Managing Complex Patient Referrals
Similarly, Dr. Logan Homan, a pediatrician at U of U Health Stansbury Health Center in Stansbury Park, utilized the resource to assist with situations that were outside the scope of general pediatrics. He noted that the program helps providers manage patients and decide when a referral to a psychiatrist is necessary.
Funding and Program Goals
As a legislatively funded program, CALL-UP serves patients across Utah at no cost to providers or patients. The initiative seeks to optimize the ability of primary care providers to treat mild to moderate mental health issues, improve early interventions, and ensure appropriate referrals for serious behavioral health concerns.
Collaborative Nature of Consultations
Dr. Kristi Kleinschmit, the program co-founder, described the collaborative energy of the psychiatric consultations as a meaningful part of her role.
