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.
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 Santa Cruz Benefit Booklet [PDF].
24/7 Support on Campus
The Student Health Center (SHC) offers even more support for your emotional well-being.
Lyra Health
In an effort to reduce premium increases, the UC SHIP Executive Oversight Board voted to discontinue the Lyra supplemental mental health care pilot program as of Aug. 1, 2024. Be assured the University remains committed to providing quality mental health care.
Plan members will continue to have access to mental health services through professionals in the campus Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) centers and others in the Anthem Blue Cross network and LiveHealth Online.
If you’re currently receiving care or would like to connect with a behavioral health provider, you can:
- Contact your campus Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) office to arrange for care on campus or to receive a referral to an off-campus Anthem provider.
- Set up a virtual visit through LiveHealth Online Therapy.
- Visit the Anthem website to find a provider or contact Anthem Member Services for additional support at (866) 940.8306 after you receive a referral from your student health center.
LiveHealth Online
When you’re overwhelmed by stress, depression, anxiety, lack of focus, or other issues, you can see a therapist virtually, wherever you are, through LiveHealth Online. Your session will last 45 minutes, and you can set up a return visit with the same or a different provider if you want to.
Take the following steps to schedule a visit:
- Sign up or log in to LiveHealth Online.
- On the top navigation bar, choose Therapy.
- Select your therapist and schedule a visit.
You’ll pay nothing to see a therapist via LiveHealth Online. For more information, see the LiveHealth Online flyer.
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.