Objective: Previous studies have suggested that psycho-educational interventions delivered by telephone improve adherence to initial colposcopy after an abnormal Pap smear. To further explore strategies for enhanced follow-up to medical care recommendations, we studied the impact of a theory-guided cognitive-affective barriers counseling intervention, delivered at 2-4 weeks before the colposcopy appointment, for inner city women. The comprehensive telephone barriers intervention was compared to an enhanced comparison group and a group that received tailored print materials.