Reasons to see off-campus mental health providers:
- You may be able to see a therapist on evenings or weekends
- You typically have more flexibility to see a therapist for as long as you need or want. This is particularly beneficial when you have longstanding, complex, or more severe issues—you may find that you can make more progress on such issues when you are able to continue in therapy for longer than is usually possible on campus. Furthermore, some students just prefer open-ended rather than brief therapy.
- You often have more choice in the therapist you see.
- Certain services are available that are not available on campus, such as intensive outpatient and inpatient treatment for mental illness, eating disorders, and substance use disorders and comprehensive psychological or educational testing.
- You may prefer seeing an off-campus therapist for other reasons, such as when you live off campus.
Students with SHIP
Students Physically Located in California
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CAPS Referral Database - This searchable database contains names of clinicians who have expressed interest in working with UC Berkeley students. At any time if you need help with referrals, you are welcome to request assistance from a CAPS counselor.
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Teladoc - Teladoc® allows SHIP members 18 and older to have a video visit with a licensed therapist or psychologist from the convenience of their home, their dorm, or on the go.
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Through your Insurance - You may also locate in-network providers of your choice by calling Wellfleet Member Services at (877) 657-5033, case management support at (888) 893-7264, or by using Wellfleet's provider search tool.
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Students with SHIP insurance also have access to the Blue Shield of California PPO network at the same rates. You can search for providers on their provider search tool. When prompted to select a plan, choose “Blue Shield of California PPO.”
- Work with a UHS Counselor - If you are currently connected with a UHS mental health provider (CAPS, Social Services, or Behavioral Health Provider), they can work with you to locate an off-campus provider that is maximally accessible, appropriate, and affordable with your health care plan.
Students Physically in the US, but Outside of California
- California clinicians are limited to practicing telemental health with clients who are physically located in California.
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Teladoc - Teladoc® allows SHIP members 18 and older to have a video visit with a licensed therapist or psychologist from the convenience of their home, their dorm, or on the go.
Students Physically Outside of the US
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You are eligible to find any provider in the country you are physically located in. Please note that you will be responsible for the full cost of the appointment at the time of the appointment, but can submit a claim for reimbursement to Wellfleet (who SHIP is contracted with). You will then be reimbursed for the appointment except for your copay ($15). Please contact SHIP for more information on how to submit a reimbursement.
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If you need support with finding a provider, please contact Academic Emergency Services
Students with Kaiser or Medi-Cal
Kaiser Permanente
- Kaiser Northern California - contact the Kaiser office nearest you for an appointment
- Kaiser Southern California - contact the Kaiser office nearest you for an appointment
Medi-Cal/Medicaid Coverage
Contact the county where your Medi-Cal was established to request care. If you previously had Medi-Cal coverage through another California county, please contact that county’s Medi-Cal office to switch coverage to your current county of residence:
Students with Other Health Insurance Plans
CAPS Referral Database
CAPS Referral Database - This searchable database contains names of clinicians who have expressed interest in working with UC Berkeley students. You may search by insurance to see providers who accept your insurance plan. At any time if you need help with referrals, you are welcome to request assistance from a CAPS counselor.
Work with a UHS Mental Health Counselor
If you are currently connected with a UHS mental health provider (CAPS, Social Services, or Behavioral Health Provider), they can work with you to locate an off-campus provider that is maximally accessible, appropriate, and affordable with your health care plan.
Through Your Insurance
You may also locate in-network providers of your choice by calling the customer service number on the back of your health insurance card or by checking your health insurance carrier's website for a provider search feature.