The clinic provides diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disorders, Tourette Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Mental Retardation as well as a broad array of developmental and neurological disorders including epilepsy, developmental delay, speech and language disturbances, etc. Short-term pharmacological intervention is available for epilepsy and behavior problems associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

All referrals to the M.I.N.D. Institute clinics require a referral from the patient's Primary Care Physician (PCP) to the Physician's Referral Center at (800) 4UC-DAVIS. The Physician's Referral Center enters all UC Davis Specialty Clinic Referrals into the UC Davis referral database for processing.

This step is required as a collaborative effort in coordinating service and care between the PCP and the specialists in the M.I.N.D. Institute Clinic. Coordination of past and current medical history and records are routinely facilitated through this process.

Insurance and self-pay options are available. Authorization for services must be provided by the PCP at the time of referral, for plans that require PCP authorization. Patients may be requested to obtain authorization from their insurance company with PPO plans not requiring PCP authorization. There are also referrals initiated through contracts with CPS, CCS, and Regional Centers. Eligibility for referrals generated through these contracts is determined by the service agency.

Due to the high volume of referrals scheduling an appointment may take several weeks to months, depending on the reason for the referral (diagnosis), the services needed, and the time necessary for the collection of pertinent records. Urgent appointments can be made more expeditiously for neurology related conditions, e.g. seizure disorders, but will require more direct input from the PCP. Appointments are determined according to clinical triage criteria and are reviewed by a team of clinicians. To learn more about the referral process or to check on the status of a referral, contact Julaila Musgrove, new patient referral coordinator, at (916) 703-0308.

Referrals are tracked through a 6-step process:

1. Physician Referral Center
2. M.I.N.D. Institute Clinic Receives Referral
3. Records Collection
4. Clinic Triage
5. Insurance Authorization
6. Appointment Scheduling

Patient's current and past medical and developmental history are required, as is completion of a patient intake questionnaire (download questionnaire) prior to the visit except in urgent referrals. IEP/IPP records, diagnostic and/or psychological testing, and school records are also required, if applicable. Specific records are required according to referral diagnosis e.g. MRI scans, EEG.

Families with children under 3 years of age who have developmental delays or with older children who may have autism, mental retardation, or intractable seizures, should contact their local regional center and request an intake. Services from the regional center are state-funded and free of charge to families with eligible children and adult family members. Families of children 3 years and older who suspect any type of developmental problem are also encouraged to contact their local school and request an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) to assess and treat developmental and learning delays. Again, children are eligible for school-based services free of charge and in a setting appropriate to their specific needs. Learning or suspecting that a child has a neurodevelopmental disorder can be devastating; parent support and advocacy organizations can provide support and a wealth of useful information. Please refer to our Resource directory for a list of Regional Center Agencies in your area, School/S.E.L.P.A. Information, and Support and Advocacy groups.

Every patient referred to the M.I.N.D. Institute clinic can be a potential clinical research candidate. Visit our clinical research studies Web page for more information on current clinical research study information.