Mental Health
What You Need to Know
Your UC SHIP coverage includes both inpatient and outpatient care for mental health and substance use. As with some other services, for your care to be covered by UC SHIP, you need a referral to see a provider outside the Student Health Center, except for LiveHealth Online and Lyra Health.
Covered Services and Resources
Within the UC SHIP network, you have access to mental health and substance use services through your campus Student Health Center, Lyra Health, LiveHealth Online, and the Anthem Blue Cross Network.
For details about inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use services covered by UC SHIP, review the UC Merced Benefit Booklet [PDF].
24/7 Support on Campus
The Student Health Center (SHC) offers even more support for your emotional well-being.
Lyra Health
UC SHIP will no longer cover services with Lyra Health as of August 1, 2024. If you’re currently in care or would like to connect with a behavioral health provider, you can:
- Reach out your campus Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to arrange for care on campus or be referred to an off-campus Anthem provider.
- Set up a virtual visit through LiveHealth Online Therapy.
- Visit the Anthem website to conduct a provider search or contact Anthem Member Services for additional support at (866) 940-8306 after you get a referral from your student health center.
When You're Covered By More Than One Plan
If you use Lyra and you have other medical coverage in addition to UC SHIP, you’ll need to contact Lyra to get a copy of the super bill and then submit it to your primary insurance plan. Once you receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer, you can file a claim with Anthem to pay the remaining balance.
LiveHealth Online
You can also choose to have a virtual visit through LiveHealth Online. See what you’ll pay to meet with a LiveHealth Online mental health professional.
Anthem Blue Cross Network
You’ll generally pay less for inpatient and outpatient care when you visit network providers. See what you pay for office visits.
Out-of-Network Providers
Typically, you’ll pay more for out-of-network care. See what you’ll pay for office visits.