Provider to Provider Consultation Line (PPCL)

The Louisiana Provider-to-Provider Consultation Line (PPCL) is a no-cost provider-to-provider telephone consultation and education program to help pediatric and perinatal health care providers address their patients' behavioral and mental health needs. 

In Louisiana, there is an increasing need for mental health services for children, but a shortage of providers, especially in rural areas. It is often left to pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) to care for and treat children with behavioral health disorders even when it falls outside of their typical scope of work. Pediatric PCPs have reported a lack of training, confidence, and time needed to address the behavioral health needs of their patients. 

Additionally, women are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health issues during pregnancy and the postpartum period. However, just like pediatric providers, healthcare clinicians providing care for women during these times often have limited mental health training and their patients have limited access to community mental health support.

PPCL was created to help address these issues. Mental health consultation has shown to be an effective approach to addressing mental health issues within clinical settings. Learn more about the program below.

How It Works 

1. A provider has a mental health-related question. If they're not already, they will register for PPCL.
2. The provider calls (833) 721-2881 or requests a consult using this form.
3. A Licensed Mental Health consultant responds to questions about behavioral health and local resources, and, if necessary, connects the provider to an on-call psychiatrist who can assist with diagnostic clarification and medication management questions.
4. Once complete, the provider receives a summary report of the consultation via email.

How We Can Help

• Consultation on diagnoses, medications, and psychotherapy interventions for a wide range of behavioral health needs (e.g. mental health care guides, screening forms)
• Guidance on pediatric and perinatal behavioral health topics and issues through TeleECHO series, webinars, and in-person training events.
• Resources to connect with community partners and agencies (e.g. intensive in-home providers, support groups).

How to Register

All providers who use these services must complete this form to register for the program - it should only take a few minutes. This helps us track what types of providers are utilizing our services so we can continue to improve them. Once registered you will be able to utilize the consultation line, TeleEcho sessions, resources, and more.

Register Here

PPCL Video SeriesExplore the videos below to learn more about PPCL and perinatal/pediatric mental health topics!

Learn More

	About Us Learn more about what we do, how we're funded, and how to contact us.  Read More
	Provider Registration Take a few minutes to register for PPCL so you can utilize all the services we have available. Read More
	TeleECHO Tune in to this monthly learning series for providers. Read More
	Provider Resources Explore these resources for providers to find clinical handouts, care guides, continuing education, and more. Read More
	Family Resources Check out these resources for pregnant families and families with children. Read More
	Screening Tools Check out this library of screening tools for providers to use with their pregnant clients, postpartum clients, and adolescent clients with mental health concerns. Read More
	Frequently Asked Questions Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Read More
	Our Partners Learn more about other programs within the Bureau of Family Health. Read More