CAPS Referral Database

Connect with an off-campus provider regardless of your insurance plan.

Therapist Referrals

ADHD/LD Testing Referrals

Psychiatrist Referrals

Low Fee Agencies

Using the CAPS Referral Database

Reaching Out to Referrals

Because provider availability can change quickly, students are encouraged to reach out to referrals as soon as possible. 

For example, if a student looks up a provider today on the database and sees that a provider has openings or is given a referral by a CAPS provider but does not call that provider for 2-3 weeks, that provider likely will no longer still have that opening.

Tips for finding a provider

The process of finding a “good match” may take a little time and effort. UHS mental health counselors are also available to discuss what to look for in an off-campus mental health provider.

It is best to contact 3-5 providers in one sitting. Make sure your voicemail box is set up and can accept messages so that the provider can leave you a voicemail if needed.

When calling, be sure to share the following information with the provider:

  • Your name and contact information

  • That you are a UC Berkeley [graduate or undergraduate] student

  • The type of insurance you have (SHIP, Anthem Blue Cross, etc.)

  • A brief description of why you are seeking therapy at this time (depression, anxiety, grief/loss, career stress, etc.)

You may want to ask the provider the following questions: 

  • What is your experience with concerns like mine? (e.g. depression, anxiety, family issues, relationship conflicts)
  • What is your counseling style? 
  • For how many sessions do you typically see clients? 

If you continue to have difficulty finding someone, we strongly encourage you to contact a UHS mental health counselor who can provide you with further assistance.

Database Updates

Openings are updated weekly, except during university closures. Please Note: Although there are other databases available for student use, this is the only tool CAPS/UHS staff keep updated.

Comments or Questions

If you have any questions or need help navigating this tool, please reach out to the CAPS Referral Coordinator at CPSReferrals@uhs.berkeley.edu.

About this Referral Database

The providers participating in the CAPS Referral Database* supply their own information about their services. Each clinician works autonomously and has separate clinical and legal responsibility for his/her/their clients. You must log in with your CalNet ID in order to access the database.

UHS offers this database as a resource; it does not constitute an endorsement of any of the listed treatment providers or facilities. 
  • Users assume responsibility for evaluating and selecting among the providers included in these listings.  
  • We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. It is therefore important to verify information with the providers that interest you, including fees, location, and other arrangements.
  • Contact your insurance company to ensure that the clinician you select is a participating provider.
  • Using email to communicate with providers is not guaranteed to be a confidential form of communication. Contacting providers by phone is a better way to protect your confidentiality.
  • If you need additional support in connecting with an off-campus provider, please contact CAPS at (510) 642-9494.

See our "Community (Off-Campus) Referral Process" video, "Tips for How to Talk with an Off-Campus Provider, and our Counseling Referral page for more details. 

For Providers

The CAPS Referral Database is used by UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty to find referrals for students who need mental health services in the community. Currently, there are 3 screening requirements for interested providers:
  1. Provider must be licensed (Psychologist, MFT, LCSW, LPCC, MD, PMH-NP)
  2. Provider's office must be within a 5-mile radius of the UC Berkeley campus or provide telehealth appointments 
  3. Provider must be contracted as an in-network provider with major insurance panels, and preferably with Wellfleet Student Health/Blue Shield Berkeley Carveout, the carrier for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Providers who are interested in applying to be on the SHIP panel (Blue Shield Berkeley Carveout, insured by Wellfleet Student Health) can make this request through BSCInitialApp@blueshieldca.com
Community providers who are interested in being listed on the CAPS Referral Database may contact our Interim Referral Coordinator at CPSReferrals@uhs.berkeley.edu.

*This database is intended for the sole purpose of obtaining community referrals for mental health services for students and is not intended for any other use.