Meet the Adult Psychiatric Access Line (APAL)
APAL is a statewide program for Virginia primary care providers (PCPs) who see adult patients with behavioral health concerns. We offer free same-day consultation through the our Access Line, as well as low-cost provider CME opportunities.
APAL offers same-day consultation and care navigation for Virginia PCPs concerning an adult patient with behavioral health concerns. APAL is available statewide, and there is no cost to PCPs or their patients for services.
APAL hosts low-cost CME trainings focused on topics in adult behavioral health conditions. These trainings are adapted to fit into your busy schedule, so you can continue to support patients while elevating your approach.
Why Virginia Needs APAL
The Problem: Too Few Providers
Despite sizable investments at the state and federal level, Virginia’s capacity is constrained across the Commonwealth’s continuum of behavioral health care.
All 133 Virginia localities are federally-designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas.1 This means that there are not enough specialized healthcare providers to meet patient demand for behavioral and mental health services. Virginia faces significant challenges in developing specialized solutions to reduce adverse health outcomes related to behavioral health concerns.
The Solution: APAL
With the support and resources provided APAL, healthcare providers in primary care and emergency settings will have the tools and knowledge to effectively diagnose, prescribe, and support patients in navigating behavioral health issues. APAL’s care model is based on two components:
- Provider education opportunities on screening, diagnosis, management, and treatment of behavioral health concerns.
- Access to consultation and care navigation via APAL’s regional hubs, which are comprised of psychiatrists, addiction medicine specialists (18+), clinical pharmacists, licensed mental health professionals, and care navigators.
1Virginia Health Care Foundation, 2024
