Behavioral Health Hubs Department of Psychiatry

Open to participating or enrolled providers

I have been getting help with my difficult mental health patients through a collaboration with the UF Hub that has been set up in Pensacola. The referral process is easy and Dr. Benson usually sets an appointment to meet with the parent and the child. Once evaluated, I get feedback with very clear recommendations within a week or so. On occasion I have spoken directly with Dr. Benson regarding the patient. In every case he sends a brief review of his findings and advice. The families who have used this service are very grateful for the prompt response to their concerns. The recommendations are straightforward and so far, have resulted in improved access for the children in the west FL area who are in dire need of mental health services.

The UF Hub has enhanced our ability to evaluate and manage common mental health conditions. It has increased our confidence and competence by inter-professional consults, skill building training & providing resources. This has improved access to quality behavioral health services for our patients within the medical home.

I have appreciated the ability of the UF Psychiatry Hub team to be able to respond to the variety of mental health care needs of my complex patients in a manner which supports their limited access to care due to a variety of reasons. They have been able to assist me in diagnosis and management where these patients can continue to be treated in their medical home where they feel the most comfortable. I even had an emergent mental health situation where they all worked together to get my patient seen urgently without the child being delayed in care for any reason.