Psychiatric Services
UHS offers outpatient psychiatric care focused on evaluation and medication management. Our psychiatric providers take an integrated clinical approach, including a review of previous treatment, a thorough diagnostic evaluation, and the proposal of a treatment plan.
Psychiatry appointments are available at no-cost to enrolled students. However, you are responsible for prescription medication costs at a pharmacy of your choice.
Schedule an access appointment
Call 608-265-5600 (option 2)
Getting connected to care
Based on your symptoms and specific situation, we may refer you to psychiatric providers in the Madison area for specialized treatment.
If you do not have a current psychiatric provider:
- Schedule an access appointment by calling 608-265-5600 (option 2) or logging into MyUHS.
- During the access appointment, the access specialist will listen, ask questions about your concerns and symptoms, and connect you with the resources that fit your needs.
- If the provider recommends a psychiatric consultation, they will assist you with scheduling during your appointment.
If you do have a current psychiatric provider:
- If you are currently prescribed psychiatric medications, contact your current provider to confirm whether you can continue care with them while attending UW–Madison.
- If you cannot continue care with your current psychiatric provider, schedule an Access Appointment by calling 608-265-5600 (option 2) or logging into MyUHS. Please be aware that this process may take time. During the transition, continue working with your current provider for medication questions, concerns, and refills.
- Psychiatric consultations at UHS are scheduled after your health records have been received and reviewed. Please submit a release of information form so we can request your records from your current provider.
- After your records are received and reviewed, you will be contacted by UHS for next steps.
What to expect at your first consultation
Your first psychiatric consultation will be a 60-90 minute appointment with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. During the appointment, the provider will review your mental health concerns and history. You and the provider will then discuss treatment options including medication, if appropriate. Individual counseling combined with medication is often helpful for students. In addition, referrals to primary care or other services may be offered.
Medications may not be prescribed at the first appointment. Students who are transferring care would need to work with their previous prescriber during this initial process to ensure an adequate supply of medication.
ADHD treatment
Many factors can make it difficult to pay attention, and not all of them require medication. For this reason, UHS providers begin with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and may refer you for neuropsychiatric testing when appropriate.
Stimulant medications are one option for treating ADHD. If a UHS psychiatric provider prescribes a stimulant, you will be required to sign a controlled substance agreement, which includes participation in a urine drug screening.
Frequently asked questions
UHS cannot provide/refill prescriptions until your records have been received and you are seen for a psychiatric consultation at UHS.
UHS Care Managers can help you find a psychiatric provider in the community. To meet with a care manager, call 608-265-5600 (option 2) or schedule an appointment on MyUHS.
If you think that your UHS Psychiatric Services provider is not a good fit for you, we encourage you to discuss your concerns directly with your provider or call UHS at 608- 265-5600 (option 2) to explore next steps.
Due to professional licensure requirements, Mental Health Services and Psychiatry providers are not able to provide treatment and care to students who are physically outside of the state of Wisconsin.