First Appointment Information

Prior to their first appointment, all women referred for care will receive a phone call from Women's Wellness and Counseling Service (WWC) scheduling staff in order to discuss care options and to schedule an intake interview. At that time, patients may request their desired treatment option, such as psychotherapy or medication management. This is not required, however, and may be determined later during the intake interview. We strive to schedule the intake interview as soon as possible after the referral date, but please be aware that we may be unable to accommodate urgent needs. We are not able to accommodate psychiatric emergencies; if you are in need of immediate care please dial 911 or go to your local emergency room.

The intake interview session takes place in our University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics location, generally lasts 60 minutes, and is an opportunity for the patient to describe their symptoms and care needs. A full history will be taken and a diagnostic evaluation completed, along with a review of the patient's past and current medications and health care conditions. The patient will take an active role in this session, and will collaborate with the intake provider (a psychiatry resident or psychology graduate student) on a treatment plan. All students and residents are supervised by on-site WWC staff clinicians. Recommendations for further care will follow and may include continued care with a WWC provider (medication and/or psychotherapy). While it is not always possible, we try to ensure that if further mental health care is desired and recommended, it will continue with the intake clinician.