Psychiatry Services

How do I get an appointment with a psychiatry provider?

Call 392-1575 to set up an appointment with a triage counselor. This counselor will meet with you and make a recommendation as to whether you will see a psychiatry provider at the CWC, or be referred to a provider in the community. Students whose needs fall beyond the scope of the CWC will be referred. A case manager will help with the referral if needed.

Is there anything I should do prior to my appointment with the psychiatry provider?

You should have prior psychiatry records sent to the psychiatry provider you are assigned to see. You can fill out a release of information form at the CWC and this will be sent to your previous psychiatrist. Ideally the records should be received by your provider prior to your appointment in order for your care to be transferred to CWC. If the records are not received, the provider will decide on a case by case basis whether care can be assumed.

What if I will run out of medication before the appointment with my new psychiatry provider?

You need to call your current psychiatrist and request a refill.

Will I be able to get medication for Attention Deficit Disorder?

It cannot be guaranteed that ADHD stimulant medication will be continued through Student Mental Health at UF.  Strict policies are being put into place governing the dispensing of controlled substances through the University. We evaluate the need for ADHD stimulant medication based on the evidence provided from prior physicians who have treated and diagnosed the condition.  Formal ADHD testing will need to have been done within the past three years and results will need to be reviewed.  Copies of medical records, evidence from prior schools, and family member corroboration may also be required.  Please be aware that this could be a time consuming process and there may be some costs incurred.  In addition, there may be instances where  we will not be able to accommodate your case, but we will attempt to assist you in locating an appropriate community referral.  For those questioning the possibility that they may have ADD/ADHD but have not ever been tested, we can make appropriate referrals at the time of triage.  The Disability Resource Center offers additional services for those with ADD/ADHD concerns.

What will happen at my first appointment?

You will meet with a psychiatry provider and review your history, current symptoms, substance use history, medical illnesses, and issues with school and relationships. If the provider believes you will benefit from treatment at the CWC, follow-up appointments will be set up. If your needs would be better met by a community provider, a referral will be made into the community.

Who provides psychiatry care at CWC?

We have psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and a nurse on staff. In addition, child psychiatry fellows see patients under the supervision of psychiatrists.

Will my psychiatry provider know what I’m doing in therapy? Will my therapist know what I am working on with the psychiatrist?

Yes, the psychiatry providers and therapists see each others’ notes in our records system, and in addition will consult with each other if needed. The CWC strives to integrate care by having psychiatrists and therapists work together; for most psychiatric problems therapy and medication work better than medication alone.