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 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

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.

Contacts

Student Health Center (SHC)

Your first stop for care on campus
Main number: (831) 459-2211
Appointments: (831) 459-2500
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): (831) 459-2628
SHC website
SHC email
1156 High Street (across from Colleges 9 and 10)

LiveHealth Online

Urgent virtual medical and mental health care
LiveHealth Online website
LiveHealth Online Mental Health website

Anthem Blue Cross Network

Member Services
(866) 940-8306