One of our main concerns is the health and wellbeing of your student. Attending college can be challenging for many students due to stress, fatigue, and social pressures. Many services and programs on campus help students to maintain their physical, mental, and social health. Additionally, students are supported when such challenges arise in a variety of ways, including counseling, education, and intervention.
Alcohol & Drug Education
UCSB’s substance abuse policies and campus regulations prohibit the use of illegal substances and the abuse of legal substances that impair academic activities, job performance, or student life. Campus police and the Isla Vista Foot Patrol strictly enforce local and county alcohol and drug laws. Students with alcohol and drug use problems can receive many free services from the Student Health Service Alcohol and Drug Program (ADP), including confidential counseling, individual and group support, alcohol and substance abuse education courses, internet tools, referrals, and private consultations.
Basic Needs
The Basic Needs website and staff provide a centralized source of information regarding healthy and sustainable food options at UCSB and in the local community. They also provide housing, financial, and technology resources for students.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers confidential personal counseling services to all registered students without an additional charge. Psychologists offer individual and group counseling for a range of issues including relationships and management of depression and anxiety. Students may also utilize the Mental Health Peer Program staffed by peer advisors. This peer program offers self-help materials, including the Egg and Massage chairs, which are available for relaxation. Phone consultation is available nights, weekends, and holidays at (805) 893-4411.
Health Insurance & UCSHIP
The University of California requires all students to have health insurance covering injuries and illnesses beyond the scope of Student Health or that occur when Student Health is closed. UCSB sponsors the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP), which provides a complete health care package for students when combined with Student Health medical care. UC SHIP covers students year round, including the summer months, regardless of whether or not the student is enrolled in classes. Students are automatically enrolled in UC SHIP unless they submit a waiver form by the designated date. A new UC SHIP waiver must completed by the student each year.
Social Work Services
A variety of factors including medical, academic, financial, emotional, family and social issues can affect a student’s performance and adjustment at UCSB. Students who are experiencing difficulties in any of these areas can meet with a social worker for assessment, links to community resources and services, ongoing support, advocacy, and monitoring. Social work services are provided at no cost to the student through Student Health funding. UCSB social workers are also available to consult with parents, within the limits of confidentiality restrictions that protect medical information.
Student Health Service
Should your student need medical services, Student Health Service is certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and employs over 140 professionals. Services include Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Immediate Care, Clinical Nurses, Dietitians, Minor surgery. Specialty Services include Dermatology, Neurology, Orthopedics, and Physical Therapy. Other In-Clinic Services: Laboratory, Pharmacy, Radiology. Electronic medical records are also utilized allowing students to schedule appointments, get pharmacy refills, and message their providers via secure messaging.
Students in Distress
UCSB has an early warning program with the goal of helping identify and support students exhibiting signs of psychological distress. The program consists of outreach and training for staff and faculty to enable them to identify and respond to distressed students. An essential component of the program is the Distressed Students Response Protocol.
If you are concerned about a distressed student, please call Student Mental Health Coordination Services at (805) 893-3030. If it is an emergency, call 911 or (805) 893-3446.
Wellbeing Website
Student wellbeing is integral to academic success, student development, and life satisfaction. UCSB is committed to building relationships with our students such that together we generate optimal conditions for their wellbeing.