Periscope Project Frequently Asked Questions

Call (877) 296-9049, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., excluding holidays; response within 30 minutes.

You can also email theperiscopeproject@mcw.edu; response within one business day.

Any health care provider or professional serving women of childbearing age in Wisconsin.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Obstetrics/Gynecology
• Family Practice
• Psychology
• Pediatrics
• Internal Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Therapists
• Mid-level Providers
• Midwives
• Behavioral Health Clinicians
• Registered Nurses
• Lactation Consultants
• Social Workers
• Prenatal Care Coordinators
• Home Visiting Professionals

No. The resource is offered for provider-to-provider education only.

A provider may contact the Periscope Project regarding mental health care needs of any perinatal patient. The perinatal period covers preconception, pregnancy, and up to one year postpartum. A provider may call with general or specific questions. The topics and consultations must remain within the scope of the calling providers practice. Therefore, only providers with the ability to prescribe medications can have a conversation about medication management.

Topics may include treatment of a specific illness, use of a medication, use of a screening tool or questions regarding community resources for women/families experiencing perinatal mental health or substance use disorders.

When a provider calls the Periscope Project, they’ll first speak to the triage coordinator. The triage coordinator will obtain provider information and the reason for the call. The coordinator can assist providers with identifying ongoing mental health support for patients. When requested, the coordinator will triage the call to the perinatal psychiatrist for provider-to-provider phone consultation. Providers will receive a return call from the perinatal psychiatrist within 30 minutes of their initial call during business hours.

The enrollment process is easy, available online at any time, and takes less than two minutes to complete. We collect basic provider demographic information, verify that you are an eligible provider, and explain the terms of our services.

Yes. You will be asked to provide basic information to verify your eligibility and agree to the terms of participation before the teleconsultation. After the call, you will be asked to complete the enrollment form within 48 hours.

No. The program is not intended for emergency services. If there is an emergency, we recommend calling 911.

No. The program is free of charge.